From Morocco: Lessons and Leadership at the TIBU Africa Sport Summit • Sport for Life

Sport for Life participated in the third African Education Through Sport Summit, hosted by TIBU Africa in Casablanca, Morocco, from April 3 to 6, 2025. This landmark event brought together over 5,000 participants and 100 international experts from Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and North America to explore how sport drives sustainable development and social inclusion.

Sport for Life Team: Sharing Insights, Gaining Perspective

Our delegation—Tom Jones, Director of International Engagement; Kim Samson, Manager of Physical Literacy for Communities and Francophone Engagement; and Saren Blézy, Senior Project Manager of School Physical Activity and Physical Literacy—shared their expertise while gaining valuable insights from global leaders in sport for development.

“The summit wasn’t just about sharing what we know,” said Jones. “It was about learning from others and witnessing the diverse ways sport is creating real impact worldwide.”

Also present at the summit were Joe Doiron, former Regional Manager for Physical Literacy for Communities (PL4C), an initiative of Sport for Life, and CEO of Active Kids Adventures – Canada, who delivered a keynote speech, and David Côté-Dion, psychoéducateur at Centre des Îles et des Elles. Côté-Dion participated in the panel “Promoting Mental Health through Sport and Physical Activity,” sharing his expertise on the role of sport in supporting mental well-being.

Highlights

Samson joined the panel “Leveraging digitalization as an accelerator for the development of sport,” showcasing Sport for Life’s Campus and PLAYBuilder platforms while exploring emerging tech approaches from other regions.
Jones and Samson led an active three-hour “Introduction to Physical Literacy” workshop for young adults at l’École de la Seconde Chance in Casablanca.
Blézy participated in the panel “Role of schools as nurseries for learning and introducing sport,” exchanging ideas on education-based sport models with international peers.

Grounded in Action: Key Takeaways

The summit, themed “Driving Systemic Change with Experts and Stakeholders in Sport for Development,” focused on practical, actionable solutions:

April 3: Opening plenary, Social Innovation Fair, documentary screening.
April 4: Panels on digitalization, gender equity, mental health, and refugee inclusion.
April 5: Inauguration of sport facilities and programs.
April 6: Run4Peace, a 5 km race promoting unity through sport.

Unforgettable Stories: Sport for Solutions

A defining moment came during the screening of Sport for Solutions on April 3, produced by David Blough, at the Institut Français of Casablanca. The documentary featured initiatives from Brazil, France, Senegal, Germany, and South Africa, showing how sport delivers not only physical benefits but also deep social transformation.

One powerful story followed youth from underserved communities in South Africa who found purpose and confidence through surfing. The program provided stability and support, helping them develop new skills and self-belief. Over time, some of these young people became surf instructors, turning challenges into leadership. The film highlighted how sport fosters freedom, inclusion, connection, and lasting change.

“That story hit us hard,” said Jones. “It’s proof that sport doesn’t just build skills—it saves lives and creates leaders. That’s the kind of impact we aim for.”

To learn more about the film, visit: Sport for Solutions – David Blough

Visiting TIBU Africa’s New School in Médiouna

We visited the École du Développement Humain par le Sport de Médiouna, a new, modern school recently completed by TIBU Africa in the city of Médiouna. Designed to empower youth through sport, education, and well-being, the facility offers infrastructure for football, basketball, volleyball, and martial arts (dojo). It also includes classrooms, a library, a digital learning room, and wellness services such as nutrition support, a gym, and a sport-study dormitory.

Developed in response to the needs expressed by local youth, the school will serve 1,200 beneficiaries and employ 17 staff members.

We met the children and their families, who were happy, enthusiastic, and proud to show us their school. Their excitement was clear—they welcomed us with energy and eagerness, sharing what they loved about their space. This wasn’t just a building; it was a place where they felt supported and inspired. Meeting them underscored a powerful truth: sport, education, and well-being together can lift entire communities.

We also met Ali Salem Chagaf, Governor of Médiouna Province and representative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, whose support for TIBU’s work reflects strong institutional backing for initiatives that use sport to promote social inclusion and youth development.

Recognizing Leadership: Mohamed Amine Zariat and His Team

Mohamed Amine Zariat, CEO and Founder of TIBU Africa, led the summit’s vision and success. His leadership has positioned the organization at the forefront of sport for development in Africa. His commitment to using sport as a catalyst for education, empowerment, and systemic change resonated throughout the event.

“Every young person deserves a chance to succeed, and sport is one of the most powerful ways to unlock that potential,” said Zariat. “At TIBU Africa, we are building pathways to education, leadership, and opportunity through sport.”

“Amine’s leadership is inspiring,” said Samson. “He’s not just shaping programs—he’s shaping futures. Collaborating with TIBU Africa under his guidance is a privilege.”

Ghizlane Akourim and Yahya Echattoui co-hosted the summit alongside Zariat, bringing energy and inspiration that kept the event engaging and action-focused. Together, they set a high standard for leadership, motivating participants throughout with their dynamic presence.

Akourim also served on the organizing committee, alongside Amina Benkhaira and Yasmine Selouane, playing a key role in coordinating the summit and ensuring its success.

“It was an incredible honour to stand as both MC and Coordinator of this Summit, where we witnessed Morocco’s leadership in education through Sport in Africa. We came together not just to learn and exchange, but to celebrate the passion and dedication each of us pours into our communities every single day,” said Akourim.

A Word on Morocco and Casablanca

Throughout our time in Casablanca, we experienced not only a professionally executed summit but also the warmth and vibrancy of Moroccan people and culture. The city’s energy, hospitality, and dedication to innovation in sport made it an ideal setting for global exchange. Morocco’s commitment to using sport as a force for education and social inclusion was evident in every interaction, adding depth to the summit’s impact.

What’s Next: International Physical Literacy Conference 2026

Following the summit in Morocco, Sport for Life will co-organize the International Physical Literacy Conference in 2026, in partnership with TIBU Africa and European collaborators. This event will expand the global dialogue on physical literacy and take place in Toulouse, France.

“This summit in Casablanca laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration,” said Blézy. “The 2026 conference will build on this momentum and energize the global sport-for-development movement.”

Being part of the TIBU Africa Sport Summit deepened our belief that sport is one of the most powerful tools for systemic change. From Casablanca’s classrooms to global conference halls, we remain committed to collaborating with leaders who see sport as a vehicle for education, equity, and empowerment. The partnerships forged here are just the beginning—together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible through sport.