With less than 18 months remaining until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Coordination Commission has concluded its seventh meeting, marking a significant step forward in the preparations for the first-ever Olympic event to be held on African soil.
During the two-day hybrid meeting, key stakeholders for the Dakar 2026 YOG, including the new Coordination Commission Chair, Humphrey Kayange, and the recently elected IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, assessed the current progress and reaffirmed their shared commitment to delivering “a lasting legacy for Senegalese youth.”
IOC members expressed their satisfaction with the finalization of the venue master plan, emphasizing that “construction work is progressing at a steady pace.” This includes the road cycling course, which will feature a “spectacular and iconic backdrop” with its start and finish line on Dakar’s west coast. On the operational front, the Organizing Committee (YOGOC) received commendation for the advancements made in various crucial areas such as ticketing, security, technology, marketing, youth engagement, and athlete education. According to Humphrey Kayange, “we are entering down the stretch (…) These last two days have been extremely valuable, rich in constructive exchanges.” Ibrahima Wade, the General Coordinator of the YOGOC, highlighted the strengthened support from the IOC and the collective momentum driving the preparations.
“It is heartening to note the reaffirmed commitment of the newly elected IOC President, Kirsty Coventry. This is an additional source of motivation and mobilization,” he stated. In a video address, IOC President Thomas Bach lauded the project’s progress and reiterated the symbolic importance of the event for the entire continent. “We all know that the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be truly special,” he said, adding, “Dakar 2026 will be an opportunity for Africa to shine on the world stage (…) and celebrate the legendary Senegalese spirit of Teranga.”
A key highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Dakar 2026 Training Academy, which aims to equip over 400 young Senegalese professionals with essential skills in sports event management in the lead-up to the Games.
Furthermore, the Dakar Corniche will host the “Let’s Move Space,” which will serve as the central hub for cultural, sporting, and educational activities during the Games, with the goal of “putting young people and families at the heart of the Olympic experience.” Prior to the YOG, the Dakar en Jeux Festival, scheduled for November 3-9, 2025, will once again blend sport, culture, education, and health in its fourth and final edition.
The Dakar 2026 YOG, set to take place from October 31st to November 13th, will bring together the world’s most talented young athletes (up to 17 years old) across three main venues: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
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