RABAT, September 2, 2019 - After two weeks of competitions, the 12th edition of the African Games came to an end on August 31 with a closing ceremony held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Fireworks, dancing troupes and international singers were all part of the occasion as the curtain fell on Rabat 2019.

This year’s African Games hosted 54 nations with 6,500 athletes as well as 1,500 technical executives and heads of delegations. This edition also welcomed the help of 2,000 volunteers who accompanied the participants throughout the competition - from the “African Villages” where the athletes were staying to the 22 competition venues.

Stepping up as the host country for the 2019 African Games was an opportunity for Morocco to show its infrastructure and ability to host an international event of this magnitude. Indeed, these Games are considered the biggest sports event in Africa. As the Director General of the Organizing Committee, Abdellatif Obad, said: “The African Games must position themselves as regional games with a place on the world stage.”

The Moroccan Kingdom's participation represents a strong comeback on the African stage. For the past 35 years, Morocco was absent from the Games, so this year’s participation marked the beginning of a new era for Morocco in the African Games. It also coincides with the return of Morocco in 2017 to the African Union and the adhesion to the CEDEAO, which has helped the kingdom to notably strengthen its relationships with West Africa.

The African Games are held every four years across the African continent. The first edition in 1965 and the last in 2015 were both held in Congo Brazaville. As for the 13^th edition of the Games, it will take place in Ghana in 2023.