(ANS – Évora, April 2026) – The 30th National Salesian Games are fast approaching, and Évora is preparing to welcome, from April 30 to May 3, more than 1,100 athletes from Salesian houses (SDB and FMA) across the country. The event will also bring together 2,000 family members, educators, and caregivers, along with 150 volunteers supporting logistics, entertainment, administration, communications, and celebrations.
The final countdown is underway. Behind the scenes, organizing teams and volunteers are putting the finishing touches in place to ensure everything is ready for one of the most memorable moments of the year.
The 30th edition of the National Salesian Games holds special significance, as it is part of the celebrations marking the centennial of the Salesians’ presence in Évora—a century dedicated to the education, guidance, and holistic development of generations of young people, inspired by Don Bosco.
More than just a sporting competition, the National Salesian Games offer a space for connection, sharing, and living out values, where team spirit and friendship take center stage.
One of the most anticipated moments is the opening ceremony, which will be streamed live on the Salesians’ YouTube channel, allowing the entire community to take part in the beginning of this major Salesian celebration, even from afar.
With everything in place, Évora is preparing for days filled with joy, sport, and Salesian spirit. Participants and the broader community are invited to come, experience, and celebrate.
“We aim to promote sport as an opportunity for young people from Salesian houses, Salesians, and Salesian Sisters in Portugal—including Funchal—and Cape Verde, particularly the island of São Vicente, to come together and grow educationally, culturally, and spiritually,” said David Teixeira, Director of the Salesians of Évora.
The Official Anthem of the 2026 National Salesian Games
You can now listen to the official anthem of the 2026 National Salesian Games, “A Century to Remember,” which captures the spirit of the Games: intense days of competition, gathering, and shared experiences among young people from across the country.
The anthem reflects what is experienced both on and off the field—the energy of competition, the strength of friendship, and the joy of belonging to this great community.
“In this edition in Évora, we are also celebrating a journey rich in history, but above all what continues to happen today: young people who give their all, who participate, and who make the Games a unique experience,” the organizers commented.
Event Program
The 30th National Salesian Games will take place over four dynamic days of activities, including:
– Sports competitions across multiple disciplines (basketball, futsal, volleyball, swimming, and table tennis) for various age groups;
– Matches held at Salesian facilities in Évora, as well as in sports halls and swimming pools throughout the city;
– A competitive environment rooted in fair play and respect for opponents;
– Entertainment and cultural activities, including music, games, and group experiences;
– A cultural program highlighting Évora’s rich history and heritage;
– Opportunities for connection among athletes, families, and educational communities;
– Opening Ceremony: A formal and festive celebration featuring a parade of delegations and institutional messages;
– Eucharistic Celebration: A central moment of prayer and shared faith bringing together the entire Salesian community;
– Closing Ceremony: A final celebration including awards, tributes, and a heartfelt farewell.
The National Salesian Games: A Tradition of More Than 30 Years
Since 1992, the National Salesian Games have rotated among Salesian communities across Portugal, bringing the educational spirit of Don Bosco to different cities and regions. Over three decades and 30 editions, the event has become a highlight of the annual calendar for Salesian schools and communities.
Beyond athletic achievement, the Games promote holistic formation, sport as a tool for education and personal growth, camaraderie and friendship, and meaningful encounters among young people from diverse regions—fostering lasting bonds. Évora is hosting the Games for the fourth time, following previous editions in 2010, 2015, and 2023.
Significance and Impact
For young athletes, participation in the National Salesian Games is a transformative experience: competing, learning to navigate both victory and defeat, building friendships across cities, and feeling part of a larger community. It is growth through sport, grounded in strong values and lived in an atmosphere of joy and respect.
For families, it is an opportunity to see their children excel, connect with other families, and engage in a shared educational mission. It reinforces the idea that education extends beyond the classroom—into the field, the gym, the pool, and everyday social interaction.
For the city of Évora, hosting the Games means welcoming thousands of visitors over four days, supporting the local economy, and strengthening its reputation as a destination for youth and sporting events. It also celebrates the century-long presence of the Salesians and their significant contribution to the city’s educational and social life.
For the Salesian Family, the Games are a moment of unity: different houses, projects, and educational-pastoral communities come together to share and celebrate. It is a living expression of Don Bosco’s vision—to educate by evangelizing and to evangelize by educating.