Celebrating Sports and Journalism: A Successful Ninth Edition
The prestigious 9th Journalists' Golf Cup witnessed a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship as Spanish journalist José Jesús Minguez claimed the championship title. The event, which took place from May 21 to 24, 2026, at the Royal Golf Club Agadir, saw Said Laamarti and Elias El Battahi securing the second and third positions, respectively. This year's tournament, organized in collaboration with the Agadir Communal Council and supported by the Souss-Massa Regional Council and the Agadir Souss-Massa Regional Tourism Council, was themed "Open and Committed Media... Sport: A Catalyst for Sustainable Tourism Development," highlighting the integral role of sports in promoting tourism and community growth.
The ninth edition marked a significant milestone as it featured the inaugural participation of foreign journalists, enhancing the international flavor of the competition. The local association in Agadir has committed to nurturing and developing this annual event, ensuring it remains closely tied to the region. The Golf Cup serves as a vital platform for media, sports, and tourism to showcase the impressive developments within Agadir and the surrounding Souss-Massa region, emphasizing their abundant potential in sports, tourism, environment, urban development, economy, and social initiatives. The keen interest from foreign journalists, particularly from Spain and France, further epitomized the success of the event.
A Platform for Media Engagement and Cultural Exchange
The competitive segment of the event was fiercely contested, with José Jesús Minguez from the renowned "Marca" newspaper emerging victorious, marking his name in the history of the tournament. His achievement was celebrated alongside Laamarti from Tamouda 24 and El Battahi from 360, who demonstrated exceptional skills throughout the competition. The event not only attracted international participants but also a robust local turnout, with nearly thirty Moroccan journalists representing various media outlets, enriching the atmosphere with diverse perspectives.
In addition to the thrilling golf matches, the tournament included valuable parallel activities designed to foster engagement between journalists and local officials. Meetings with key figures such as Moulay Mustapha Boudrka and El Bachir Ben Hammad, Deputy Presidents of the Agadir Communal Council, and Abdelhak Chehli, Vice President of the Regional Tourism Council, provided a platform for discussions on ongoing projects and their positive impacts on the community. These sessions underscored the significant contributions of the Agadir Communal Council towards enhancing the sports sector and promoting sustainable practices within the region.
The meeting with Chehli presented an opportunity to delve into the tourism sector's achievements, illustrating how sports serve as a catalyst for tourism growth. The Regional Tourism Council, under the leadership of Salah Eddine Ben Hamman, is dedicated to promoting various sporting activities that contribute positively to the city's image and regional development. Participants also enjoyed tours of several sports and cultural facilities in Agadir, further enriching their experience.
Among the notable parallel events was the 2nd Photojournalism Award, held in memory of Ali El Montassir, which saw seven talented photojournalists submit an impressive collection of 16 photographs. Issa Essaouri from "Le Matin" claimed the first prize of 2000 dirhams, while Salma Saghir from "Podium Sport" and Mohamed Iftahi from "Al Bayane" were awarded second and third places, respectively, showcasing the vibrant intersection of journalism and visual storytelling.
The culmination of the 9th Sports Journalists' Golf Cup was celebrated with a ceremonial event at a local hotel, honoring the winners and recognizing the invaluable contributions of sports and media figures, along with various stakeholders. This acknowledgment highlights the collective efforts dedicated to bolstering sports, community engagement, and tourism initiatives at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring a bright future for Agadir as a center for sports and cultural activities.
As reported by m.elbotola.com.
