Dear athletes, sports leaders and African sports enthusiasts,
On this Olympic Day 2025, ANOCA proudly celebrates the Olympic spirit that unites our continent in its diversity and sporting wealth.
This symbolic day commemorates the advent of the modern Olympic Movement on 23 June 1894 and is of particular significance for Africa. It reminds us that sport goes beyond borders, unites people and embodies our shared values of excellence, friendship and respect.
This year’s theme “Move, learn, discover, together for a better world” urges each and every one of us get actively involved, share the pleasure of sport and bring Olympic values to life in our families, schools and communities.
Whether you are a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior or just a sports enthusiast, Olympic Day is for you. It affords an opportunity to celebrate, stretch your limits, reach out to others and build bridges of fraternity and solidarity.
The year 2025 marks an important milestone in the development of African sport.
Our athletes continue to shine on the international stage, flying the colours of their nations and inspiring future generations. From Cape to Cairo, from Dakar to Djibouti, the Olympic flame kindles the hearts of millions of young Africans who dream of representing their countries on the world’s greatest sports arenas.
ANOCA stands proudly with all African NOCs in promoting this grand celebration of sport and Olympic values.
On this Olympic Day, we applaud and encourage all local and national initiatives taken to bring sport to as many people as possible, encourage women’s participation, integrate people with disabilities and strengthen social inclusion through sport. We therefore reassert our commitment to:
Promoting access to sport for all, especially our youths and women; developing sports infrastructure on our continent; supporting our athletes in their quest for excellence; fostering African unity through sport; and preserving sport integrity and ethics.
ANOCA, therefore, urges all African NOCs, sports federations, athletes and sporting communities to celebrate this day with activities that embody the spirit of Olympism: open races, sports demonstrations, educational programmes and moments of intergenerational exchanges.
I wish to commend our athletes for their commitment. They are Africa’s true ambassadors flying high our colours on the international stage, inspiring new generations each day. I also wish to pay tribute to coaches, volunteers, instructors and all those who work behind the scenes to develop sport and promote Olympic values on our continent.
May this Olympic Day 2025 be a moment to rekindle our shared passion for sport and our determination to make Africa an Olympic continent that shines even brighter!
Together, let’s stand united in action and continue to write the most beautiful pages of the history of African sport. Together, let’s promote the Olympic Spirit.
Long live Olympism in Africa! Long live ANOCA!
Mustapha BERRAF, ANOCA President
