Malta is set to host the eighth Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in late 2027, welcoming more than 1,150 young athletes aged 14 to 18 from 74 countries and territories. The Games will take place across the picturesque twin islands of Malta and Gozo.
Participants will compete in eight sports, including Athletics & Para Athletics, Netball, Squash, Swimming & Para Swimming, Triathlon, Weightlifting, and for the first time in CYG history, Sailing and Water Polo. Notably, the 2027 edition will feature the largest Para sports program in the Games’ history, with Para Swimming being introduced.
Dr. Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “The Commonwealth Youth Games are more than a captivating celebration of sport; they are a transformative experience for young athletes. Those that compete are the stars of tomorrow and the voices of today, changemakers who will shape the future of our Movement. We look forward to being on the beautiful island of Malta in 2027.”
Fiji, which has a commendable history in the Commonwealth Youth Games, aims to build on its legacy from prior competitions. The nation has participated in several editions since the inaugural event in 2000 and has thus far accumulated 14 medals, including three golds, primarily in Swimming, Rugby Sevens, and Weightlifting. In recent times, Fiji returned from the TRINBAGO 2023 CYG with a silver and two bronze medals, showcasing the talent and potential of its youth athletes.
Malta 2027 presents an essential opportunity for Fijian youth, allowing them to advance from the legacy of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games and serve as a stepping stone towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) plans to advertise for the CYG 2027 Chef de Mission and will soon call for Expressions of Interest from National Federations interested in participating.
This forthcoming event not only highlights the commitment to nurturing young sporting talent but also reflects the broader vision fostered by organizations like FASANOC to ensure inclusivity and sportsmanship among competitors. The mix of traditional and new sports could further inspire a new generation of athletes in Fiji and across the Commonwealth, enhancing their prospects in future global competitions.
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