Olympic Day Run 2026

More than 1,500 participants gathered on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Plaza in Rose-Hill to celebrate Olympic Day. Organised by the Mauritius Olympic Committee (MOC), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, this major sporting celebration brought together participants of all ages around the values that underpin the Olympic Movement: respect, excellence, friendship and solidarity.

Held under the themes “Say No To Drugs” and “Let’s Move. You Can Do This.”, this 2026 edition highlighted the role of sport in promoting health, wellbeing and an active lifestyle. It also served as a reminder that physical activity is a powerful tool for prevention, education and social cohesion, particularly among young people.

The day began at 9:00 a.m. with the simultaneous start of the Olympic Day Run from four regions of the island: Palma SSS, the municipality of Port-Louis, the municipality of Curepipe, and Kendra Mall in Saint-Pierre. Participants then made their way, walking or running, to Place Jean Margéot in Rose-Hill, and on to the Plaza, where a programme of sporting and family activities awaited them in a friendly atmosphere.

Throughout the morning, the public had the opportunity to discover and try out several Olympic sporting disciplines free of charge, thanks to the involvement of the relevant national federations. Children, young people and adults were able to interact with coaches, officials and athletes, while discovering the richness and diversity of Mauritian sport.

Another highlight of the celebration was the walk, starting at 11:00 a.m., linking Place Cardinal-Margéot to the Plaza in Rose-Hill, which brought together participants, representatives of the sporting movement, and several public figures, including MOC President Richard Papie, Minister of Youth and Sports Deven Nagalingum, and Junior Minister for Youth and Sports Karen Foo Kune-Bacha. More than a simple walk, this march symbolised a collective commitment to a more active, inclusive and united society.

During the official ceremony, MOC President Richard Papie recalled that Olympic Day is celebrated every year around the world on June 23. He also relayed the message from IOC President Kirsty Coventry marking this global celebration.

“When we move, we feel better. It helps keep our bodies and minds healthy and fit. And when we move together, we encourage one another. Today, we saw Mauritians of all ages and backgrounds moving and sharing the same values of respect, unity, discipline, brotherhood and excellence. That is exactly the spirit we want to promote every day of the year,” said Richard Papie.

Recalling that this year’s Olympic Day also carried the theme “Say No To Drugs,” Richard Papie assured that the institution he leads would fully contribute to the fight against this scourge. “As patriots, we will do our duty and encourage young people to stay away from the path of drugs. We will give new meaning to this fight. The government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports can count on the MOC’s support in this battle.”

The MOC President also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to continuing its close collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports on initiatives aimed at fostering youth development through sport. In this regard, he announced the upcoming launch of the OlympAfrica programme, which aims to give young people from disadvantaged areas of the Republic of Mauritius greater opportunities for growth and development through sport.

Speaking in turn, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Deven Nagalingum, and the Mayor of Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill, André Toussaint, praised the Mauritius Olympic Committee’s commitment to sport for all. Both also stressed the importance of continuing awareness efforts to combat the various scourges affecting young people.

Minister Deven Nagalingum, for his part, highlighted the challenges facing his ministry and the country’s youth, while recalling the government’s action in underprivileged neighbourhoods. “The idea behind the Anou Transform Nou Lendrwa project came from the government’s desire to enable the MYS to develop and mentor talent. Today, we are proud to see progress at every level,” he said.

The MOC warmly thanks the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the national sports federations, the municipalities, its partners (Crystal, Olympia, NRJ and Lottotech), the police force, volunteers, and all those who contributed to the success of this 2026 edition.

The MOC also extends its gratitude to the many participants who came to share in this day, once again demonstrating that sport remains a formidable unifying force and a driver of wellbeing for society as a whole.