National Citizenship Games: Local, Diaspora Youth Connect Through Sports, Culture

The second National Citizenship Games, JENACI 2026, were launched on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Renoveau Sports ground (Mateco Stadium) of the University of Yaoundé I in Yaounde. Presided by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC), Mounouna Foutsou, the four-day event runs from August 16-19, 2026, bringing together approximately 600 young representatives from all 10 regions of Cameroon. And the diaspora to foster civic responsibility, peace, and national integration. Practical Republican Values The launch ceremony featured welcome remarks from the representative of the Yaoundé City Mayor, the ceremonial presentation of the Games Flag, a parade by the regional delegations, and a cultural showcase. Highlighting the strategic scope of the games, Minister Mounouna Foutsou emphasized that the event provides an essential framework for education, awareness, and the practical adoption of republican values. Amidst rapid social, economic, and technological transformations. Dismantling Regional Barriers Organized around the core theme of active citizenship, JENACI 2026 integrates participants into four mixed competing groups - Peace, Living Together, Civic-mindedness, and Patriotism - rather than competing by region of origin. According to Fidèle Djebba, President of the National Council of Popular Education (CONAEC) and Chair of JENACI 2026 Organizing Committee, this group structure is specifically designed to dismantle regional barriers. Encourage dialogue, and transition young people from passive observers into active, community-minded citizens. Various Games, Activities The games feature a comprehensive programme of activities structured across multiple domains: Sports, Paralympic Discipline: This includes team sports such as volleyball and handball, individual events like athletics, wrestling, and sand racing. Alongside adapted paralympic activities to ensure broad inclusion. Socio-Educational, Intellectual Competitions: These competitions comprise citizenship quizzes, educational challenge games, e-sports, board games, traditional games, an Olympiad project, and culinary arts competitions. Cultural, Artistic Expressions: They include dance competitions, traditional games, and a cultural evening spotlighting patriotic songs, poetry, choreography, and storytelling from across the national territory. Volunteerism, Re-Armament: This last category incorporates community service initiatives and civic education sessions aimed at instilling a culture...