Morocco Hosts 439 Para Athletes in Grand Prix Debut

Morocco's capital city is making history as 439 para athletes from 57 countries gather for three days of world-class competition starting Thursday.

Rabat becomes only the second Moroccan city to host a World Para Athletics Grand Prix, joining Marrakech in showcasing the nation's growing enthusiasm for Paralympic sports. The brand-new Rabat Olympic Stadium, which opened just last year with state-of-the-art facilities, will serve as the backdrop through 2028.

The athlete roster reads like a Paralympic hall of fame. Brazil's Jerusa Geber, who claimed two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, returns to Morocco to compete in sprint events. Her teammate Petrucio Ferreira dos Santos, a three-time Paralympic champion including Paris 2024 gold in the 100m, will also take the track.

Tunisia's Raoua Tlili brings an impressive eight Paralympic titles to the competition, ready to defend her strong start to the season in shot put and discus events. Home fans will cheer loudest for Morocco's 52-athlete team, led by Paris 2024 gold medalist Aymane El Haddaoui in the 400m race.

Colombia fields a powerhouse lineup including five-time Paralympic medalist Mauricio Valencia and double Paralympic champion Jose Gregorio Lemos Rivas. Uzbekistan's Khusniddin Norbekov, who has won gold at the last three consecutive Paralympics, rounds out the international stars competing this week.

The Ripple Effect

This event signals something bigger than medals and records. African nations are stepping up as proud hosts of elite para athletics, with Tunisia also scheduled to host a Grand Prix in June. The expansion shows how Paralympic sports are gaining momentum across continents, creating more opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete close to home.

For young athletes across Morocco and North Africa watching these champions, the message is clear: world-class facilities and international recognition are coming to their doorstep. The Rabat Olympic Stadium's modern track and lighting systems match any venue in the world, proving that excellence in para athletics deserves nothing less than the best.

The three-day competition will feature track and field events across multiple classifications, giving spectators a chance to witness the speed, strength, and determination that define Paralympic athletics.

Morocco's warm welcome to 439 athletes this week plants seeds for the next generation of Paralympic dreams.