His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid presided a colourful opening ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. The ceremony went vibrating on the rhythm of lively and folk music while hundreds of children were carrying flags of the participating nations in front of an audience of about six thousand. Among the attendance was Lamine Diack, President of the IAAF; Mohammed Aouzal, President of the RMAF ( Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation); Omar El Jazouli, President of Marrakesh Urban Commune; and Mohammed El Gahss, minister of Youth.

Each of the personalities mentioned above warmly welcomed the participating nations and hoped them an enjoyable stay in the historic and the universally known city, Marrakech. For his part Mohammed Aouzal expressed his gratitude to the IAAF for giving morocco the opportunity of hosting the 4th World Youth Championships 2005.

For his part and on behalf of the the world athletics community Lamine Diack thanked the Moroccan King Mohammed VI and his government. “ I have the Honor to express my gratitude to his majesty Mohammed VI his government and people for warmly welcoming the participating nations” Said he.