Africa is eagerly anticipating its inaugural Youth Olympic Games, slated to be held in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026. Originally scheduled for 2022, the event was postponed and will now take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026. It is poised to unite young athletes from around the world to compete in 35 sports over a span of 14 days.
The precursor to this historic event, the Dakar en Jeux (Dakar in Games) festival, was initially planned for 2022 across three host cities: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. Since then, Dakar en Jeux has evolved into an annual celebration of sports and culture, serving as a lead-up to Dakar 2026 while encouraging greater youth involvement in sports.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has voiced his support for Senegal’s hosting of the Youth Olympic Games, highlighting Africa’s unity and its vibrant sporting culture.
During his visit to Senegal in 2022, Bach expressed his excitement for the event, stating, “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 upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar holds significant historical importance, according to sports analysts across Africa. Rufai Shuaib from Senegal sees it as a pivotal opportunity to showcase the immense talent and potential of young African athletes on a global stage.
