Welcome Morocco to the World of Korfball, Welcome
Korfball Family to Morocco
We could
summarize the visit of the expedition of the Korfbal Club Badalona to
Al-hoceimas, Morocco as passion for sport in a culture and land to be
discovered. Thanks to this trip by the hand of the korfball we have made real
the said that "sport unites cultures".
Tendencies
to homogenize deprives us of the opportunity to learn and know that each
country is a melting pot of cultures; because of that standardized thinking it happens
with Morocco and the Amazigh culture, as it could happen in the eyes of an
African to confuse Spanish and Catalan culture. Certainly there are many things
in common, but subtly also many wealths that can make a difference. A
geographical environment graced by its mountains and privileged by its bay,
along with the hard-to-access virgin beaches characterizes its orography. But
most importantly, its population, the Rif people with their friendship,
hospitality, and passion for sports.
Our trip
to the city of Al-hoceimes nerve center of the Riff had as its main objective
the support to the development of the korfball, as an inclusive sport for young
people; support the organization "Social work for Alhoceimes" (https://www.facebook.com/alhoceima.ADS/) in its work to offer young people education and
participation through sports. During the days of stay in Al-hoceimes we were leading
workshops with the young people of Rife to promote the korfball in primary
schools, Mohamed VI school, and dissemination in secondary schools, Melchor de
Jovellanos; and also joining forces for the introduction of the korfball in
Morocco with the team from the city of Nador and together with the Moroccan
Federation of Korfball.
But as
important as what we contributed, or even more, were what we did and we took
from Al-hoceimes. We met the Riff, its people, its culture, traditions,
gastronomy, and its cultural richness; also its historical past and especially
its colonial relation with Spain, the war of the Riff. And of all this we were
surprised by their respect and sympathy towards the Spanish, who still occupy
three small islands of their archipelago (https://elalminardemelilla.com/2012/09/10/penones-e-islotes-espanoles/). From Al-hoceimes we took many things, including the
good organization of the association "Alhoceimepour le Developpement
social" with its fantastic guys and how great and indispensable are their
girls and women for the social progress of the country. There are many things
to discuss how to organize with less resourses, enjoy community relations, open
their homes to outsiders, etc.
Not
everything in Al-hoceimes and the Riff is well or good. It is unavoidable to
review the conflict between the Riff community and the Moroccan state, quite at
the same time as the Spanish government and a significant part of Catalonia.
There is an urgent the need for Europe and Spain to look at the conflict of
immigrants who want to cross the border from Morocco. And certainly there is no
time for delay the modernization and progress needed for Morocco in order to
avoid fanatical religious fundamentalism.
A lot to
know, a lot to learn, so much to share with each other.
PD This project never will be possible without the support of Hammich family Shukram!
