Senegal prepares to host the first-ever Youth Olympic Games in Africa
Senegal is set to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, marking the first time an Olympic event will take place in Africa. The Games open on October 31 and will feature 2,700 young athletes competing in 35 sports across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. IOC President Kirsty Coventry confirmed the readiness of venues and growing excitement among participants.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1) · date de l'événement : 2026-10-31
Senegal is gearing up to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, marking the first-ever Olympic event held on African soil. The Games will run from October 31 to November 13, featuring 2,700 young athletes competing in 35 sports.
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry toured the Youth Olympic Village on October 29 and reported that preparations were progressing well, with venues ready and enthusiasm rising among athletes.
Events will take place across multiple locations including Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, president of the Dakar 2026 organising committee, highlighted the opportunity for young athletes to connect, share experiences, and build friendships beyond the competition.
The Games were originally scheduled for 2022 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception in 2010 in Singapore, the Youth Olympic Games have promoted sporting excellence and the Olympic spirit among athletes aged 15 to 18.
For Senegal and Africa, hosting this event represents a historic milestone and a chance to showcase the continent on the global Olympic stage.