Olympic Youth Day 2026

The Mauritius Olympic Committee hosted its “Olympic Youth Day 2026” on Thursday 23 April 2026 at the Islamic Cultural College in Vallée des Prêtres, under the theme “No to Drugs”.

This initiative forms part of a broader commitment to promoting Olympic values, strengthening social cohesion and encouraging young people to embrace sport as a healthy way of life.

The event was held in the presence of MOC President Richard Papie, the Bishop of Port-Louis, Monsignor Jean-Michaël Durhône, and Member of Parliament Eshan Juman.

Nearly 600 participants, including students, teachers, representatives of national sports federations and members of the public, took part in this day dedicated to sport and civic engagement. The programme featured a community march “No to Drugs” through Philippe Reverand, Bait Ul Noor and Bernardin de Saint-Pierre streets. The event also offered several sports initiation sessions in boxing, badminton, cycling, volleyball, wrestling, football, table tennis, handball, archery, hockey and fencing.

Richard Papie: “Sport as a tool for prevention and personal development”

Speaking at the event, MOC President Richard Papie stated:

“This day places youth at the very heart of our actions and encourages the practice of sport, whether in competition, for leisure or for health. Sport remains one of the most effective means of combating the scourge of drugs that affects our society. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to awareness and prevention. The Olympic Youth Day sends a powerful message to young people: sport is a path to fulfilment, discipline and hope. Saying no to drugs means choosing a healthy and ambitious future. The Olympic Movement has an essential role to play in passing on positive values.”

Eshan Juman: “Yes to sport, no to drugs”

Member of Parliament Eshan Juman commended the initiative and the mobilisation observed:

“I would like to congratulate the organisers, the college management, the Mauritius Olympic Committee and its President Richard Papie, as well as the entire team. This is an important day. If we regularly run ‘No to Drugs’ campaigns, today we are stating clearly: no to drugs, yes to sport. We are offering real alternatives to our young people. The enthusiasm observed among the youth is encouraging. However, we must remain clear-eyed: the drug situation is serious. Before any rehabilitation process, it is essential to stop the bleeding.”

Monsignor Jean-Michaël Durhône: “Sport as a vehicle for personal growth”

Monsignor Jean-Michaël Durhône highlighted the importance of sport in the development of young people:

“We recognise the value of young people, who represent a true human treasure. Schools may have infrastructure, but their real wealth lies in the people within them. Young people have great value, but they are today confronted with a scourge that destroys their lives and those around them. Drugs give the illusion of pleasure, but it is a destructive pleasure. Sport, on the contrary, is a healthy pleasure for the body, the soul and the mind. When a young person discovers sport, they discover a positive and constructive alternative. I commend the initiative of the Olympic Committee and the commitment of the Islamic College in promoting sport as a tool for personal development. I encourage all schools to embrace this awareness-raising approach.”

This event is in line with the objectives of the Olympic Movement to promote the values of sport, raise awareness among young people and encourage healthy lifestyles.