The seminar took place on May 23-27 at the African Center for Training of Journalists (CAFJ) -- at the headquarters of Morocco's News Agency (MAP)-- under the theme "Mastery of techniques for good practice of sports journalism."
It was an opportunity for some twenty participating journalists from several African news agencies to improve their knowledge of techniques and practices of sports journalism, digital journalism, social-economic challenges, communication and cultural issues of sports journalism and professional ethics.
On this occasion, FAAPA President and MAP Director-General Khalil Hachimi Idrissi said that this training seminar, supervised by the best experts in the field, is part of the Federation's vocation to train and bring together African news agencies.
In terms of training, several achievements have been made by FAAPA, which has managed to organize 2 to 3 training sessions per year, except during the Covid year, Hachimi Idrissi pointed out.
Sports journalists are players who must contribute to the establishment of a sports philosophy that promotes fair play and respect for the opponent while banishing all scourges such as fanaticism, blind nationalism or hooliganism, he added, noting that this training is intended to spread these values within the African public opinion through the various media outlets.
This training seminar is also the materialization of South-South cooperation leading to excellence, promoted by HM King Mohammed VI, Hachimi Idrissi underlined.
Other speakers at the closing ceremony said that journalists must participate in the evolution of sports in Africa, by respecting ethics and fighting against anything that can undermine fair play.
They also praised MAP's experience in terms of product diversification and resource optimization, stressing the importance to bring this successful experience to other African countries.
Participants were generally satisfied with the seminar and were eager to go through this enriching experience once more.
This ceremony, held in the presence of MAP executives and Moroccan media personalities, was marked by the presentation of certificates to the participants in the seminar, who thanked FAAPA and its president for the interest given to training.
On the sidelines of this seminar, the Network of Sports Journalists of Press Agencies, members of the FAAPA (RJS-FAAPA), was created with a view to promoting experience and data exchange as well as skill sharing.