February 16, 2025
The second African Maarif Sports Games organized by the Turkish Maarif Foundation was held in Mali with the participation of 2025 athletes.
“Take action, fight, run to victory for Africa” The opening ceremony of the event, organized under the slogan of “The World Cup”, was held at the 26th of March Stadium in Bamako, the capital of Mali.
At the opening ceremony, after the speeches of the protocol members, 2025 students who will compete in team games and individual branches marched accompanied by the band.
Minister of Malians Abroad and African Integration Mossa Ag Attaher welcomed the initiative of the Turkish Maarif Foundation and emphasized the importance of bringing African youth together through sports.
“This tournament is a living proof that sports is a powerful tool for integration and social cohesion,” Attaher said, adding that the tournament is not only a competitive environment but also an important opportunity for cultural interaction and strengthening the spirit of brotherhood across the continent.
Türkiye's Ambassador to Bamako Efe Ceylan also expressed Türkiye's commitment to education and development projects in Africa.
Stating that in addition to its pioneering role in education, the Maarif Foundation also promotes excellence in sports through major organizations, Ceylan said, “Sports is a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together. This tournament is one of the best examples of this.”
Dr. Mehmet Cangir, Member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Maarif Foundation, expressed his pride in the growth and progress of the tournament every year.
“Today, we are celebrating not only sports talents, but also team spirit, determination and friendship between African countries,” he said.
The 2nd African Maarif Sports Games will continue for 3 days with the participation of young athletes from Mali, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Cameroon, Congo, Madagascar, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, Togo and Tunisia.
Hundreds of referees accredited to the relevant federation will also take part in the games, which will be attended by about 80 public and private schools from Bamako, the capital of Mali.
