Algerian Radio
The Minister and Wali of Algiers, Mr. Mohamed Abdennour Rabehi, officially inaugurated on Thursday the third edition of the "Algiers Sports Festival 2026." Held under the theme "El Bahdja Tajmaana" (Joy Brings Us Together), this edition introduces several new features designed to attract a large number of participants and visitors.
The opening ceremony of this three-day event (June 18, 19, and 20) was attended by the Minister of Health, Mohammed Seddik Aït Messaoudene, and the Minister of National Solidarity, Family, and Women's Issues, Soraya Mouloudji, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Transport, and Sports, the President of the APW, sponsoring institutions, and partners.
On the sidelines of his visit to various festival sites, Rabehi announced the opening of 20 swimming pools across the capital, free of charge for children and families throughout the festival and the summer season, to ensure safe and organized access to swimming and water activities.
He also revealed the launch of a new mobile application, "SportAl," aimed at putting technology at the service of community sports. This digital platform allows citizens to identify available sports spaces, locate them, and access their services and programs, facilitating the practice of sports for all year-round.
Regarding the venues for this event—held under the patronage of the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Mr. Saïd Sayoud, the festival is distributed across five main hubs comprising 14 sites. More than 100 activities are programmed, with an expected daily turnout of over 60,000 people, according to figures provided by the Wilaya of Algiers.
On this occasion, Mr. Rabehi visited several sites hosting the festival and the 2026 summer season. He gave the starting signal for various sports and recreational activities for youth at the Wilaya of Algiers headquarters (roller race), Satah Ponta, and the Kittani park and beach. He then inaugurated the Mouloud Osmane swimming pool near the El Biar stadium. His visit also took him to Dounia Park in Dely Ibrahim, Eco-Park in Oued Smar, the banks of Oued El Harrach, and the Hamma Urban Park, before following the skateboard, BMX, and roller competitions.
In his opening speech, the Minister and Wali of Algiers noted that the recreational, sports, and cultural facilities established in recent years fall within the "vision and strategy for modernizing the capital." He added that all development projects and major achievements have received the full approval of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, transforming Algiers into a vibrant, attractive, and enjoyable city for both residents and visitors.
He further stated: "This festival proved in 2024 and 2025 that it is more than just a sports event; it has become an integrated community project aiming to reconnect citizens with their public spaces and promote a culture of physical activity and health for all families, youth, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities in an atmosphere of security, organization, and joy."
After thanking the sports and youth associations, various actors, and members of the APW who "believed in this project and accompanied it since its inception," the Wali stressed that "the spirit of the festival should not be limited to a few days but should continue throughout the year."
