A word from the President of the SCIJ International Commitee, Mr Miguel Angel Aquiso (followed by our first Newsletter):

Dear Captains, dear SCIJ Members,
The Newsletter that you receive today is the first of a series that leads us to the 23rd of January 2010, official opening date of the 56th SCIJ Meeting "Marrakech-Oukaïmeden". After three years of effort, in the face of occasional doubts, we're almost at our goal, thanks to the perseverance and unfailing commitment of the Belgium-Morocco Organisation Committee.
In less than four months now, SCIJ will arrive at the snowy mountains of the High Atlas to celebrate a big first on the African continent.
Of course, skiing in Morocco is at an early stage of development, and its possibilities cannot yet compare with big alpine or American ski resorts.
Nevertheless, the 56th General Assembly (Jasnà , March 2008), decided by an overwhelming majority to take up the challenge to explore new horizons, in particular in emergent countries.
A few days ago, in Zurich, FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) applauded our decision. FIS President Gian-Franco Casper welcomed the new convention signed between Cetursa (the group that runs the resort of Sierra Nevada in Spain) and FRMSM (Fédération Royale Marocaine de Ski et de Montagne) as a beautiful example of collaboration and friendship between north and south.
It has always been the central aim of SCIJ to bring together media professionals with a common interest in skiing, to build friendships, to explore our common interests, and to question our host nations - across frontiers, without political boundaries, unhindered by differences of ideology or religion.
That will be the case again in Morocco, when a range of stories will arouse our interest, and each of us will have opportunities to meet and interview leading actors in the various spheres of politics, culture, and civil society.
This journey gives us a rare chance to take the pulse of a nation that is both ancient and modern, to discover its snow and mountains, to explore its cuisine and culture, and above all to meet its people. Our friends have prepared a rich program that your International Committee warmly recommends for your enjoyment!
With my best regards
Miguel Angel Aquiso
Président SCIJ

Dear Scij-Friends,
The 56th SCIJ meeting in 2010 is getting closer: from 23rd to 30th of January 2010, we will be welcoming you, with our Moroccan friends, in Marrakech and Oukaimeden.

We are working hard to prepare you a fabulous program, with a lot of discoveries, interesting visits and conferences, and ... great ski in the Atlas!
         
   

Arrival and opening ceremony will be in Marrakech on Saturday. Going up in the mountains on Monday, having the usual competitions and even a bit more (surprise!), the nations evening and an astronomical night will also be held at Oukaïmeden. The gala dinner is planned in Marrakech in a wonderfull place, where we will feel as in an oriental dream.

The full program wil be published soon.
The Moroccan authorities are ready to show you more of their country, with a pre-tour (Casablanca, Rabat and Fès) and 2 post-tours (Essaouira, Agadir, Taroudant and Ouarzazate, and probably a visit of the southern Sahara provinces) Costs and duration (3 or 4 days) will be communicated as soon as we have them.

We are sure you will enjoy this new scij-experience,
See you in Morocco, 23-30 January 2010,

The organizing comittee OUKA2010

TOPICS
Oukaïmeden 2010 will not be an ordinary SCIJ Winter meeting. It is the first time in Africa, in a Muslim country, organised on a North-South basis. Prepare to have a lot of material to write about!

Morocco is a country of many contrasts between modern life and millenar traditions
We will have the opportunity to meet some interesting speakers during our stay in Marrakech and at Oukaïmeden. They will introduce you to the heart of this emerging country: the new economic developments, the changes in modern society, the new role of women in a traditional culture and not to forget the environmental challenges of our times.

We will have the opportunity to look at the stars with scientific telescopes installed at 3000m height
And, of course, we will have a taste of typical gastronomy, traditions and folklore.

2010 is the « Year of tourism » in Morocco, with the objective of 10 millions of visitors  « Plan Azur »

We will visit social associations, a handmade Moroccan craft manufacture and enjoy  the benefits of oriental hammams.

AUTHORITIES

Moroccan authorities are glad to welcome you:
The Governor of Province of El HAOUZ
The Minister of Communication
The Minister of Tourism
The Minister of Youth and Sports,
are a few of the officials invited to meet you and to participate in our ceremonies.

PRACTICALITIES

Our website is under construction, will be launched soon.
We will soon be sending the application forms to the captains. Please do not delay your answer, we need to know asap how many people need  visas (facilities will be awarded by the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs but it can take some time!) and who is interested in pre and/or post-tours.
Please remember you will need a passport, valid until 3 months after the end of your stay. Click here to find the list of countries for which NO visa is needed. For the other countries: be carefull to ask for the visa in due time!
Arrival airports: « Casablanca Mohammed V » or « Marrakech Menara »
Everything will be cared for: transportation from airports by buses, to the mountains by 4 wheel drive vehicles, to the slopes by donkeys :-)
Hotels and assembly or conference rooms in M'kech and Oukaïmeden

If you have further questions don't hesitate to contact the Belgium Organizing Commitee

(Betty and Claudine)

bcl@rtbf.be
claudine.naassens@skynet.be

http://scijmorocco2010.wordpress.com