Visionary Reports

Douala Prepares for Dixiades 2026: Key MOU Signed Between CNOSC and City Council”**Cameroon’s economic hub, Douala, is set to host the Dixiades 2026, a major national sporting event. The National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC) and the Douala City Council have signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure the games’ success. The agreement was finalized on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in Douala, with key figures present, including CNOSC President Colonel Kalkaba Malboum, Douala City Mayor Dr. Roger Mbassa Ndine, and the national coordinator of the Dixiades, Gregoire Owona.

Mayor Ndine expressed pride in Douala being chosen to host the event again, highlighting the city’s reputation as a “sports capital.” He stated that the games would bring significant benefits, including the development of new sports infrastructure and equipment. The mayor also pointed out the city’s existing sports policy, which includes six active leisure and sports centers, with a seventh one scheduled to open soon. These centers aim to make sports and recreation accessible to all residents.Ndine emphasized that the event is a key part of the city’s strategy to promote social cohesion and peace through sports. He also noted the city’s commitment to supporting sports associations and nurturing young talent, with the goal of producing future champions who can win medals at the Olympic Games.Furthermore,according to Gregoire Owona, the event’s national coordinator, the agreement formalizes the partnership between the CNOSC and the host city. The protocol outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party, ensuring the event aligns with the Olympic Charter and other national regulations.Owona announced that the Dixiades 2026 will feature eleven sports disciplines, including:Athletics,Badminton, Women’s Basketball,Boxing, Football,Weightlifting (Halterophilia),Handball,Judo,Wrestling,Table Tennis and Volleyball.He also mentioned that the opening and closing ceremonies will blend traditional Olympic protocols with the rich cultural heritage of the Littoral region.Moreover,CNOSC President Kalkaba Malboum underscored the importance of the Dixiades as more than just a competition. He stated that the games have three main missions:

Bringing together young people from all 10 regions of Cameroon, Identifying and nurturing new sports talent to build the country’s athletic future, Developing and rehabilitating sports infrastructure for long-term use by the community.Malboum noted that Douala had previously hosted the third edition of the Dixiades in 2012 and is now being called upon to showcase Cameroon’s unity and sports excellence once again. He called for a collective commitment from all stakeholders to work together and avoid improvisation, urging the immediate establishment of a local organizing committee.Nevertheless,the Dixiades 2026 is also positioned as a precursor to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, serving as a vital opportunity to prepare Cameroonian athletes for the international stage.With the agreement signed, the local organizing committee is now tasked with making the Dixiades 2026 a memorable and successful event that fosters unity, pride, and a brighter future for Cameroon’s youth.

By Henry Wana