Marrakesh is and will remain the capital of the south thanks to the diversity of its numerous qualities : being the mythical city, always shining due to the nice weather, gifted with a unique naturel environment, with its glove palm trees, the rose gardens, the proximity of the snowy heights of the Atlas and the valleys fringed with flowers. Moreover, Marrakesh proudly serves as a cultural crossroad, the guard of traditions and customs, and has an impressive number of architectural masterpieces, which favours it to be one of the most prestigious international touristic venues.

Being selected among numerous cities to host international events of large scale such as congresses, festival or sporting manifestations, Marrakesh greatly boasts to organise the IAAF World Youth Championships in athletics.

The choice of Marrakesh to stage such an important world competition testifies the great confidence that Marrakesh city enjoys within the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Still, we all remember the great and historical success of the 1998 World Cross Country Championships.

Therefore, the Communal Council of Marrakesh city, proud and honoured by this distinction, is fully committed to bring all support to this world competition which will gather athletes from different countries all over the world to whom we wish retain with them the best memory of our red city.

Also, we hope that these athletes, once back home, be our ambassadors and boast our warm welcome according to Moroccan traditions.

We are certain that we will successfully organise a memorable fascinating world championship.