Senegal is preparing to host the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2026, becoming the first African country to do so.
Under the motto “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates,” the 2026 Youth Olympic Games are a major sporting event aimed at being a catalyst for transformation for Senegal and inspiring African youth. In addition to the capital Dakar, activities will take place in Diamniadio and Saly from October 31 to November 14, 2026, bringing together 2,700 young athletes from around the world, according to a statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) received by APA on Tuesday.
For the organisation, these games should offer young people a new perspective on the future while highlighting the hospitality and generosity of the Senegalese people, embodied by the Teranga. In total, 35 international federations will participate in the event, with 25 sports on the competition program, including athletics, football (futsal), basketball (3 × 3), judo, rugby sevens, skateboarding, and many others.
In addition, 10 sports will be included in a mobilisation program, such as golf, karate, climbing and surfing, although they are not included in the official competition program.
The Dakar 2026 YOG will mark a first in the history of the Games with total parity between men and women, with 151 events in total, divided equally between the two sexes, as well as seven mixed events. This innovative approach will make this edition of the YOG a model to follow for future hosts of the event, the statement said.
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