- Dear NOC Presidents,
- Dear Athletes,
- Dear African Youths,
- Dear Partners of the Olympic Movement,
- Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, 23 June 2026, we proudly celebrate Olympic Day – a day that unites the world around the universal ideals of Olympism: excellence, respect and friendship.
This day marks more than a commemoration. It is a call to action: to push our limits and to build a better future together through the power of sport.
For Africa, Olympic Day carries a unique significance.
Ours is a continent of youth, resilience and promise. Every day, millions of young Africans demonstrate their talent, courage and determination on the playing field, in schools, in communities and in everyday life.
Sport offers them much more than the chance to win. It teaches them to believe in their dreams, to respect others, to persevere through adversity and to contribute meaningfully to society.
Today, I urge the entire African Olympic family to pursue its mission with conviction: uniting our communities, promoting peace, fostering inclusion, and equipping our young people with the means to reach their full potential.
We must also continue creating opportunities for future generations, and move forward together in solidarity and fraternity.
We must rise to the development challenge through sport, with concerted effort, so that Olympic Africa can shine on the global stage.
With just a few months to go before major events where our continent will be closely watched, and as Africa continues to assert its place within the global Olympic Movement, we can be proud of how far we have come and confident in the future we are building together.
I pay tribute to all those across Africa who, day in, day out, promote Olympic values: athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, instructors and partners committed to serving our young people.
On this Olympic Day 2026, let us renew our commitment to a more united, stronger, and more inspiring Africa through sport.
May the Olympic spirit continue to shine on our way!
Happy Olympic Day to you all.
Long live Olympism!
Long live ANOCA!
Long live Olympic Africa!
Hon. Mustapha BERRAF
ANOCA President
IOC Member
ANOC Vice President
President of the OlympAfrica Foundation
