Sport for All: “The Women’s Victory Runs,” a creative and ambitious initiative by Nezha Bidouane

In order to reinforce her role in encouraging and motivating all segments of society—especially girls and women—to engage in sports activities, the President of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Sport for All (FRMSPT), Nezha Bidouane, double World Champion in the 400m hurdles (Athens 1997 and Edmonton 2001), launched a creative and ambitious initiative entitled “The Women’s Victory Runs.” The launch took place on October 14, 2023, in Nador (Northeast Morocco), in commemoration of National Women’s Day.

Following the model of the original “Women’s Victory Race,” organized annually in Rabat by the Association “Women, Achievements and Values,” chaired by Nezha Bidouane, bronze medalist at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the “Women’s Victory Runs” also attracted thousands of girls and women from diverse social backgrounds and age groups in a festive atmosphere, all carrying the unified slogan: “I run according to my abilities.”

The organization of this large-scale, multidimensional sporting event—held under the auspices of the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, and in collaboration with Walis, governors, and elected councils—forms part of the FRMSPT strategy to promote sports participation, now a constitutional right, in order to preserve health, create sporting momentum across the regions of the Kingdom, and foster a healthy generation of future athletes.

Through the “Women’s Victory Runs,” the FRMSPT aims to spread the culture of sports participation, promote the noble values of sport, and strengthen the spirit of citizenship, cohesion, and solidarity.

Contrary to expectations, a pleasant surprise occurred during this first stage in Nador—a traditionally conservative city—as the number of participants reached 26,000 girls and women.

During its two previous editions (2024 and 2025), this flagship women’s sporting event attracted more than 200,000 participants from all social backgrounds and age groups.

In 2026, three races have already taken place: in Mediouna (April 4), on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace; in Zagora (April 11); and in Rabat (April 26). Three additional races will be held later.

According to President Nezha Bidouane, this third edition of the Women’s Victory Runs aims to “promote sports participation and convey the noble values of sport, such as effort, perseverance, and respect. We also aim to strengthen the spirit of citizenship through the inclusion and unity of all participants, whether young or adult, able-bodied or with disabilities,” she stated. She added: “We are proud to contribute to building a healthier and more active future for all women and girls.”

In Zagora (southern Morocco), legends of Moroccan athletics and football accompanied the sports caravan, including athletes Rachid El Bassir (Olympic silver medalist in the 1500m at Barcelona 1992) and Brahim Lahlafi (bronze medalist in the 5000m at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games), as well as former Moroccan football stars Aziz Bouderbala and Abderrazak Khairi (1986 World Cup in Mexico), and Salah Eddine Bassir (1998 World Cup in France). This provided an opportunity to convey messages about the importance of sports participation for all ages.

The event was also marked by strong participation from people with special needs, who experienced a rewarding moment that helped strengthen self-confidence, develop physical abilities, and share in a collective experience with other participants.

The 16th edition of the Women’s Victory Race, organized on April 26 in Rabat by the Association “Women, Achievements and Values” under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, saw the participation of more than 12,000 women of all ages.

This edition was distinguished by significant participation from Moroccan women living abroad and African students, as well as the notable presence of associations such as Special Olympics Morocco and the Lalla Asmaa Foundation for deaf and hearing-impaired children.

The Association “Women, Achievements and Values,” founded by Nezha Bidouane a few months after her retirement from sport, works to make sport a lever for social advancement, a tool for motivation, and a means of promoting sports culture, while contributing to the establishment of social, educational, and civic values.

The Women’s Victory Race has become one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Morocco and worldwide.

It is worth recalling that in 2017 this running event recorded 32,000 participants, a record.

To reach the widest possible audience, the Association also organizes “National Sport for All Caravans” and “Sports Days” to promote sports culture and create sporting momentum across the entire territory of the Kingdom.