The National Association for Women, Physical Activity and Sport (ANFAPS) celebrated the National Day of the Moroccan Child on 20 May in Sidi Bernoussi. On this occasion, it organised a recreational sports morning under the aegis of the Sidi Bernoussi district prefecture, in collaboration with the National Committee for the Prevention of Traffic Accidents (CNPAC) and the Barnoussi Sports Association.

The objective of this event is to raise awareness among citizens about the benefits of sports activity for the physical and intellectual development of children, as well as about respect for the environment and the Highway Code in relation to traffic accidents. "We want to draw people's attention to users of two-wheelers and rollerblades, but also to alert parents and children to the dangers of rollerblading without any supervision. Children hang onto vehicles, which leads to several accidents and fractures, but unfortunately, we do not talk about this subject," states Fatima Elfaquir-Daouda, President of the National Association for Women, Physical Activity and Sport. Indeed, children on bicycles or rollerblades are increasingly numerous in the streets and boulevards of Casablanca. Often organised in groups, they have fun hanging onto cars or trucks to increase their speed. However, this hobby can be fatal.

Some doctors are sounding the alarm on this subject. "Problems related to rollerblading come from falls," explains a sports doctor. By losing balance, a child can suffer skin abrasions on the hips and palms of the hands. Worse, they can suffer a radius fracture, an elbow sprain, or a clavicle fracture due to a fall on the shoulder. Depending on their severity, these injuries can be treated with ointments or may require immobilisation and sometimes surgical treatment.

Accompanied by CNPAC staff, volunteers from this association explain the dangers of the road to children. "The National Committee for the Prevention of Traffic Accidents offers protective helmets to young people and draws their attention to the importance of respecting the Highway Code," highlights Fatima Elfaquir-Daouda, specifying that for the moment, the user of a bicycle or rollerblades is considered a pedestrian.

For this activist for the right to physical activity, rollerblading is a fashion phenomenon and a sporting discipline that requires adapted protective measures. "It is up to us to follow this exercise, which appeals to children and young people who want to express themselves differently. Instead of leaving children to their own devices and turning towards delinquency, parents would be delighted to see them practising a physical activity that is beneficial for their health and education," she adds. In this context, the National Association for Women, Physical Activity and Sport calls on local authorities, elected officials, and architects to create spaces where young people can play in complete safety. ANFAPS also wants to restore the importance of the bicycle as a means of transport and encourage mothers to engage in physical activities, which are beneficial for health, in order to pass this culture on to their families. To do this, the association conducts awareness campaigns in orphanages, schools, and disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Created in 1993, the National Association for Women, Physical Activity and Sport (ANFAPS) aims to promote sport and physical activity as a fundamental human right, a lever for human development, and a means of emancipation for women and the fulfilment of youth and childhood. The association has already organised "Rabat Vélo" held in Rabat on 22 April, as well as the Car-Free Day during the same period. ANFAPS is thinking of expanding the "Rabat Vélo" concept throughout the Kingdom. During this event, beginners and experienced people of different ages and social categories gave free rein to their pedals on a closed circuit completely dedicated to bicycles.

Placed under the Honorary Presidency of H.R.H. Princess Lalla Meryem, this event aims to promote cycling to improve health and well-being. On 6 May, the association organised "Children on bikes, on rollerblades: Health and safety" on the esplanade of the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco (BNRM) in Rabat. This event included theoretical awareness sessions for bicycle and rollerblade users as well as a practical awareness session on the Highway Code provided by the Moroccan Red Crescent association. And to show the importance of physical and intellectual exercise, the BNRM distributed books to children.

{Practical advice:}

-* You must have waist protection.

-* Check that the helmet complies with standards.

-* High-top shoes effectively protect the ankles.

-* You must have gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, and reinforced shorts.

-* To wear rollerblades, put on jeans and a thick sweater, avoiding nylon clothing.

-* These protections only prevent skin burns.