H.R.H. King Hassan II of Morocco has, on his own merits, become a new, outstanding, active member of the international Paralympic Movement, on this occasion through our federation, IBSA. His interest and connections, both with sporting issues in general and in relation to the problems affecting those with disabilities, are long-standing; in the latter aspect, Princess Lala Lamia collaborates directly, chairing the Moroccan Organisation for the Social Protection of the Blind (OAPAM). However, it was the latest IBSA General Assembly (last June, see BSI No. 13) in this North African country that served to truly catapult the relationship between our Federation and the Royal Family.

Morocco, through the guiding hand of King Hassan, must play - indeed it has already begun to do so - a fundamental role in our Movement, as the spearhead of the sports development programme in the North African region, and take advantage of its traditional links (cultural, economic, etc.) with Europe, in order to promote and extend sports practice in a widespread manner.