Bobo-dioulasso: The third edition of the National Games for Young Athletes (JNRES) was launched on Tuesday at the Sangoule Lamizana stadium, under the patronage of the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Anuuyirtole Roland Somda. This year, the event brings together all the training schools for young athletes from all regions of Burkina Faso, as well as private training structures for smaller categories.
According to Burkina Information Agency, more than 2,000 young athletes aged 14 to 18 will compete in seven disciplines: football, handball, basketball, athletics, volleyball, cycling, and traditional wrestling. The official launch took place in two stages: a popular cross-country race through the city’s streets lasting more than 30 minutes, followed by an aerobics session in front of the stadium. These moments of mobilization and communion were marked by the intervention of the Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Sports, Idrissa Traore, representing the Minister.
Idrissa Traore stated, “With this mobilization, we felt a very committed youth. We know we will have a competition of great quality.” He also reiterated the government’s commitment to giving a central place to basic sports training. Mr. Traore recalled that “the government has launched a special initiative called the Presidential Initiative for the Next Generation and the Sporting Elite (IP-RELIS) which aims to promote mass sport in order to have a seasoned and aware next generation, capable of defending the Burkinabe flag.”
The technical advisor also emphasized that these games are a showcase that demonstrates the vitality of Burkinabe youth and the country’s resilience. “This edition shows the world that Burkina Faso is livable,” he said. The competitions will take place at several venues in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, including: football at the Sangoule Lamizana stadium and the Wobi stadium, basketball, handball and volleyball at the Ouezzin Coulibaly high school, while athletics and cycling will take place at the Sangoule stadium.
Scheduled from August 31 to September 8, the 3rd edition of the National Games for Young Athletes will reach its apotheosis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, starting at 3 p.m. at the Wobi stadium in Bobo-Dioulasso.