Smara (refugee camps), Feb 26, 2018 (SPS) - More than 400 Sahrawi and foreign runners from over 20 countries are participating in the 18th edition of Western Sahara Marathon, which kicked off Monday under the slogan "42 kilometres for 42 years of sacrifices."
The opening ceremony of the sporting and solidarity event was marked by the presence of the representative of the Political Organization, Sahrawi Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmed Lahbib Abdi, and the wali (governor) of Al Ayun, Mohamed Yeslem Beissat.
In a statement to the press, the Sahrawi minister said that "Sahara Marathon" is meant to be a strong message to reiterate solidarity with the Sahrawi people in their struggle for self-determination and independence.
Sahara Marathon aims at raising international awareness of the 42-year-long conflict and breaking the media blockade imposed by Moroccan authorities on the question of Western Sahara. (SPS)
062/SPS/APS