History

The Order of Merit of Youth and Sports was founded by Decree on July 8, 1998. It is conferred upon Burkanibé youth, athletes, physical educators, and all those who have contributed to youth and sports programs in Burkina Faso over a span of at least 10 years. When conferred posthumously, it is awarded to those who were devoted to youth and sports programs in recognition of acts of bravery. The Order may also be conferred upon foreigners or awarded in absence of service requirements, but only under exceptional circumstances. Promotion to a higher grade may be made after 5 years in the lower grade, accompanied by additional merits.

The Order may be awarded with a clasp that denotes the type of recognised merit. The clasps include:
- SPORTIF (Athlete)
- DIRIGEANT (Leader)
- PROMOTEUR (Promoter)
- JEUNESSE (Youth)

The obverse inscription translates to “Order of Merit of Youth and Sports,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Unity, Progress, Justice.”