Senegal has said it aims to use the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) as a driving force for change through sport, marking the first Olympic event ever hosted in Africa.
Dakar 2026 will take place across three Senegalese cities – Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly – welcoming 2,700 young athletes from 35 international federations. The competition will feature 25 sports, including athletics, swimming, basketball (3×3), football (futsal), skateboarding and rugby sevens, to name a few.
In addition, an engagement programme will showcase 10 sports – such as golf, surfing and sport climbing – through interactive activities on-site and digital platforms. While not part of the official competition, these sports will be highlighted as key elements of the YOG experience.
This event will be the first time in Summer YOG history that full gender equality is achieved – not only in the overall athlete quota but also across every sport, discipline and event. In total, 151 events will take place, with an equal split of 72 for men and 72 for women, along with seven mixed-gender competitions.
A catalyst for change
As noted above, this YOG is the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil. A common theme throughout the event is that while Dakar 2026 highlights Senegal, the benefits will extend across Africa. This is reflected in the competition’s motto: “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates.”
In its announcement, the YOG outlined its goals for the event, aiming not only to inspire hope, opportunities and confidence among young people across Africa but also to serve as a model for future YOG hosts.
During a visit to Senegal last October, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach met with Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, President of the NOC and the Organising Committee. He was also joined by African IOC members from countries not included in his current tour of the continent.
Following the meeting, Bach said: “These Youth Games are not only for Senegal but for all of Africa. This is why I have with me many of our African members who fully support this vision. They are excellent ambassadors of these Games in their own countries. Together they show the solid partnership of the IOC with its African members.”
