Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: the gen on the Next Gen

The Youth Olympic Games, organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will take place in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026. This marks the first time the prestigious event is hosted on African soil, with Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly serving as host cities. Approximately 2,700 athletes will compete in 25 sports, with 153 medal events and 10 engagement sports without medals.

The Youth Olympics aim to inspire young athletes aged 15 to 17, promote Olympic values, and encourage sport as a means of peace and solidarity. First held in Singapore in 2010, the Games have featured several prominent athletes who later achieved success at the senior Olympic Games, such as Chad le Clos and Jade Jones from South Africa, and Noah Lyles from the United States.

Having the Youth Olympics in Senegal holds significant importance for the continent, as it is the first time Africa will host an Olympic event. This opportunity allows African countries to showcase their high standards and demonstrates the continent's potential for sporting excellence. The Games also present a chance for youth employment, tourism, volunteer programmes, and skills development, which can have long-term benefits for the region.

The event will feature 19 of the 25 competition sports from the Paris 2024 Olympics, including athletics and swimming, as well as newer events such as breaking, skateboarding, beach handball, beach wrestling, futsal, coastal rowing, Baseball5, and Wushu Taolu. Additionally, 10 engagement sports will be held to encourage local participation.

Organizers have focused on repurposing existing facilities, rather than building new ones, to minimize costs and ensure that the venues continue to serve local communities after the Games. The historic Iba Mar Diop complex, Tour de l’Oeuf waterfront complex, Corniche Ouest, Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, Dakar Arena, and Saly Plage Ouest will host various sports.

The Games celebrate Senegalese and African culture through the official mascot Ayo, a young lion designed by a student, and the name "Teranga," which means hospitality in the Wolof language. The athletes' village will feature lessons in sabar and djembe drumming, as well as traditional dancing. The Olympic flame journeyed through all 14 regions of Senegal before arriving in Dakar, where it lit the cauldron on October 30.