Hicham El Guerrouj followed by Bernard Lagat in the last bend of the 1500m final (© Getty Images)
The second edition of the International meeting of Tangier which will take place on Sunday 12 July was officially presented to the press on Tuesday 24 March by Meeting Director and former Olympic and World champion Hicham El Guerrouj.
“I would like to thank all our sponsors, partners, organising committee, athletes, journalists and all those who have put their heart in the success of our first edition last year. Under the patronage of His Royal Highness King Mohammed VI and together with the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation we are putting all our efforts together for yet another excellent meeting this summer,” said World record holder El Guerrouj.
The spotlight of the press conference was on double World champion Bernard Lagat, El Guerrouj’s arch rival and great friend who, once again, was on hand to support the meeting; Olympic and World champion Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain and Olympic medallist Hasna Benhassi of Morocco.
“A wonderful friendship between Hicham and me was born from our rivalries on the track and today I am here to support my friend in this beautiful country of Morocco. I am proud to have been invited to compete here and I will do everything I can to be part of the success of the second edition of this meeting,” said Lagat.
The 2009 edition will benefit from a larger visibility and bigger promotional campaign which include a new website – www.meetingdetanger.ma – a new logo and a new visual identity. The Live broadcast of the meeting will also be extended from 1.30 to 2.30 hours.