The 14th edition of the Prince Moulay El Hassan Kitesurf World Cup, organized by the Global Kitesports Association (GKA), and the 3rd Wingfoil World Cup, hosted by the Global Wingsports Association (GWA), are set to take place from September 29 to October 6, 2024, in Dakhla, Morocco. These prestigious events will be held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI and will bring together athletes from 17 countries, competing for a total prize of €40,000.
Countries participating in these world-class competitions include Australia, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, Cape Verde, Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Guadeloupe, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United States, and host nation Morocco, according to a statement from the “Lagon Dakhla Association for Sports Development and Cultural Animation.”
A total of 70 elite athletes have been selected to compete, representing the top talents in kitesurfing and wingfoiling. In the men’s kitesurfing category, renowned athletes such as Airton Cozzolino, James Carew, Matchu Lopes, Sebastian Ribeiro, Pedro Matos, and Gabriel Benetton will take center stage, alongside Moroccan champions Ali Bekkali and Maji Mounim. On the women’s side, international stars like Capucine Delannoy and Camille Losserand are among the top competitors. The wingfoil competition will also showcase high-level contenders, with Malo Guenole, Cash Berzolla, Wesley Brito, and Hugo Marin in the men’s division, while Nia Suardiaz, Elena Moreno, and Bowien Van der Linden lead the women’s field.
In addition to the world cup events, two special initiatives will be held. The first is a national championship that will feature around 20 Moroccan athletes vying for wildcards, giving them the chance to participate in the global competition. The second initiative involves the creation of an environmental village, under the theme “Protect what you love, save the ocean.” This village will focus on raising awareness about ocean preservation and will include educational workshops, local initiatives, and interactive activities involving local students and youth.
The overarching aim of these efforts is to solidify Dakhla’s position as a global kitesurfing hub, capable of hosting high-level sporting events while promoting environmental consciousness. Through this campaign, the “Pearl of the South” seeks to establish itself as a dedicated advocate for marine conservation. This event is part of a broader initiative led by the Lagon Dakhla Association to highlight the region’s natural, sporting, and tourism potential, as well as its commitment to environmental protection.
The organization of this event aligns with the human, social, and economic development programs for Dakhla and its surrounding region. The association collaborates closely with local and regional authorities, who are deeply invested in the region’s growth and well-being, ensuring Dakhla continues to thrive as a beacon of sporting excellence and environmental stewardship.
