Democratic Republic of the Congo – 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Salesian Games in Central Africa: A Tradition of Brotherhood and Hope

11 March 2025
Democratic Republic of the Congo – 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Salesian Games in Central Africa: A Tradition of Brotherhood and Hope

(ANS – Lubumbashi) – On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the “Cité des Jeunes” Salesian center in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bishop Gaston Ruvezi, SDB, of the Diocese of Sakania-Kipushi, presided over the solemn Mass marking the official opening of the 50th anniversary of the Salesian Games. This year’s event was held under the theme: “Young People, in Brotherhood and Hope, We Celebrate Half a Century of the Salesian Games”. This event brings together thousands of young participants each year from Salesian institutions, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), diocesan parishes, and private schools. In 2025, the event celebrates five decades of dedication to sports, fraternity, and educational values.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of numerous religious and political authorities. In addition to Bishop Ruvezi, notable attendees included Mr. Georges Kadinga, Provincial Minister for Youth, Education, and Scientific Research; Sr. Clarisse Ngoy, Provincial Superior of the FMA in Congo; Fr. Dieudonné Besa, SDB, representative of the Salesian Provincial of Central Africa (AFC), who was attending the General Chapter in Turin; as well as various Rectors and mentors from Salesian communities.

The 2025 Salesian Games are set to be a historic edition, with over 5,500 athletes participating across 264 teams and 26 clubs, competing in football, basketball, volleyball, and handball. The event also features dance teams, cheerleading and acrobatic competitions, boxing matches, karate tournaments, and even fashion clubs, reflecting the cultural diversity and richness of the occasion. With 127 schools represented, this milestone 50th edition aims to leave a lasting mark in the history of the Salesian Games as an extraordinary celebration of youth and its potential.

The opening day began with encouraging words from key leaders, including Fr. Paulin Longwa, head of the Salesian Youth Ministry subcommittee "Tujenge" and coordinator of the Salesian Games; Sr. Joséphine Bela, head of the FMA Youth Ministry in the Congo; and Fr. Jonas Yav, Provincial Delegate for Salesian Youth Ministry in Central Africa.

A colorful parade followed, where participating teams proudly marched, showcasing their uniforms and flags in a vibrant atmosphere of joy and celebration.

The highlight of the day was the solemn Sunday Mass, presided over by Bishop Ruvezi, who emotionally shared his own experience as a young participant in the very first edition of the Salesian Games in 1975. In his homily, he emphasized the integral role these games play in youth formation, stressing the values of discipline, fraternity, and self-improvement. “The most important thing is to participate,” he reminded the young athletes, urging them to embrace competition in a spirit of solidarity and fair play.

A symbolic moment of the ceremony was the Lighting of the Torch of Continuity, signifying the passing of sports and educational values from one generation to the next. The torch was lit by Fr. Antonio Perego, representing the generation of European Salesian missionaries, and handed over to Congolese Salesian youth, reaffirming their perseverance and commitment to carrying forward the Salesian spirit.

Following the Mass, several speeches marked the official opening of this historic edition of the Salesian Games. Minister Georges Kadinga praised the event’s organization and encouraged young people to give their best, highlighting the crucial role of sports in education and personal growth. Sister Ngoy and Fr. Besa also addressed the participants, reinforcing the significance of this event for Salesian youth and society as a whole.

With competitions scheduled every weekend until May 1, 2025, culminating in the grand finals of the tournaments, this special 50th-anniversary edition promises to be unforgettable. The Salesian Games, which integrate sports, culture, and educational values, remain a unique Salesian tradition dedicated to the holistic development of young people.

"The Salesian Games are truly a wonderful space where the spirit of play and fraternity reign supreme. If the Games continue to thrive after 50 years, it is because the spirit of Don Bosco still lives within them, guiding and inspiring young people," said the event organizers from the AFC Province

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