We are now in the final countdown. Behind the scenes, organising teams and volunteers are fine-tuning the final details 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 forms part of the celebrations marking the centenary 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 Salesian National Games are a space for meeting, sharing and living out values, where team spirit and friendship take centre stage.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the opening ceremony, which will be streamed live on the Salesians’ YouTube channel, allowing the whole community to follow the start of this great Salesian celebration, even from a distance.

With everything in place, Évora is preparing for intense days of joy, sport and Salesian spirit. To all participants and the community, the invitation stands: it is time 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: the island of São Vicente, to come together and grow educationally, culturally and spiritually,” said Fr 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 sharing amongst young people from across the country.

An anthem that captures what is experienced both on and off the field — the energy of the game, the strength of friendship and the joy of being part of this great family.

“In this edition in Évora, we are also celebrating a journey steeped 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,” commented the Games’ organisers.

Event programme

The 30th National Salesian Games will take place over four intense days of activity:

– Sports competitions;

– Competitions in various sports (Basketball, Futsal, Volleyball, Swimming and Table Tennis) across different age groups;

– Matches at the Salesians’ facilities in Évora and in other sports halls and swimming pools across the city;

– A competitive spirit combined with fair play and respect for opponents;

– Entertainment and culture;

– Leisure activities, featuring music, games and group dynamics;

– A cultural programme enabling participants to discover Évora’s rich history and heritage;

– Opportunities for socialising among athletes, families and educational communities;

Celebrations: opening ceremony: a solemn and festive occasion marking the start of the Games, featuring a parade of delegations and institutional messages; Eucharistic celebration: a central moment of prayer and sharing of faith, bringing together the entire Salesian community; closing ceremony: a final celebration with the presentation of prizes, tributes and an emotional farewell;

The National Salesian Games: a tradition spanning over 30 years

Since 1992, the National Salesian Games have toured the various Salesian communities across the country, bringing Don Bosco’s educational spirit to different cities and communities. Over three decades and 30 editions, this event has established itself as an annual highlight in the calendar of Salesian schools and communities in Portugal. More than just sporting results, the National Salesian Games promote: holistic formation; sport as a tool for education and personal growth; camaraderie and friendship; and encounters between young people from different regions, forging lasting bonds. Évora is hosting the National Salesian Games for the fourth time – previous editions took place in 2010, 2015 and 2023.

Significance and impact

For young athletes, taking part in the Salesian National Games is a transformative experience: competing, learning to deal with wins and losses, making friends from other cities, feeling part of a big family. It is growing through sport, with clear values and in an atmosphere of joy and respect.

For families, it is an opportunity to see their children shine, to meet other families, and to get involved in a shared educational project. It is to feel that education does not end in the classroom – it also takes place on the field, in the sports hall, in the swimming pool, and through social interaction.

For the city of Évora, hosting the Salesian National Games means welcoming thousands of people over four days, boosting the local economy, and promoting the city as a destination for youth and sporting events. It is also a celebration of the Salesians’ century-long legacy, a significant presence in the educational and social history of Évora.

For the Salesian Family, the Games are a special moment of communion: different houses, projects and educational-pastoral communities come together, share and celebrate. It is the practical realisation of Don Bosco’s spirit – to educate by evangelising and to evangelise by educating.