Moroccan Olympics star El Guerrouj to bring gold to UN child development plan

Morocco’s double Olympic gold medallist Hicham El Guerrouj will be using his popularity and fame on the track later this year to promote a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) early childhood development campaign targeting children in the critical toddler phase.

Proceeds from greeting cards by Mr. El Guerrouj, an active UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, will go to early childhood projects on the all-important factors of health, nutrition, cognitive and social skills development for young children up to the age of three.

“I thank him for being a source of inspiration to Morocco’s youth. Hicham El Guerrouj’s victory goes beyond the Olympic Arena," UNICEF representative in Morocco Maie Ayoub von Kohl said of the 1,500-metres world record holder. "He has become a leader in his own right and young Moroccans, boys and girls, look up to him as a role model. His perseverance, integrity, and willpower, have made it possible for him surpass himself again and again."

Sometimes called “Mr. Iode” for his fervent advocacy of iodized salt campaigns in Morocco, Mr. El Guerrouj recently participated in a fundraising event with UNICEF Belgian National Comity for education centres aiming at providing an education for young girls involved in domestic labour in the Marrakesh region of Morocco.

“We are proud to have El Guerrouj as our Goodwill Ambassador,” Ms. Von Kohl said. “For El Guerrouj, winning is not enough. He sets up new records, and this pattern is having a double impact on Moroccan youth."