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Senegal set to host Africa’s first-ever Olympic event
Senegal is poised to host Africa's landmark Olympic event, the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), in 2026. This monumental event is scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026, in Dakar, the vibrant capital city of Senegal.
The games are expected to bring together the world's finest young athletes to compete in 35 sports over 14 days. The decision to award the hosting rights to Senegal is a significant milestone for the African continent, which has never hosted an Olympic event.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reported to have expressed its full support for Senegal's hosting of the YOG, with IOC President Thomas Bach emphasising Africa's unity and its rich sporting culture.
"With a young population and a passion for sport, it is time for Africa, it is time for Senegal," he remarked during his visit to Senegal in 2022 as reported by the Olympics “We cannot wait for the moment to be back here and to enjoy this first Olympic event on African soil, an event for Africa, with Africa, that will welcome the youth of the world in Senegal."
The event aims to be a catalyst to transform Senegal through sport while setting a blueprint for future YOG hosts. The games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, ensuring a wide-reaching impact in the country.
In Senegal, preparations for the YOG are underway with the renovation of the Iba Mar Diop stadium marking a significant step in infrastructure development for the Games. The revamping is part of a broader initiative to ensure state-of-the-art facilities for Dakar 2026, which will rely mainly on existing and updated venues.
Senegal's hosting of the Youth Olympic Games is an event for Africa, with Africa, that will welcome the youth of the world to Senegal.
This is further reiterated by Senegalese sports analyst, Rufai Shuaib, who says “The hosting of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar represents a major milestone in showcasing the immense talent and potential of our young athletes on a global platform.”
