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The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are a major event that embodies the Olympic spirit, sporting excellence and the promotion of youth. The event, which began in 2010 in Singapore, has become a pillar of the Olympic Movement thanks to the vision and leadership of figures such as Jacques Rogge, former President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The YOG are much more than just sporting competitions. They are part of an educational and cultural programme aimed at instilling the Olympic values of respect, friendship and excellence in young people around the world. It is this unique combination of sport, education and culture that makes the YOG so special.
Historically, the YOG have evolved since their inception in Singapore in 2010, and we have seen successive editions in Nanjin in 2014, Buenos Aires in 2018, and now, with great excitement, Dakar in 2026. The expansion of the YOG to Africa is a major milestone for the Olympic Movement, demonstrating commitment to African youth and the promotion of sport on the continent.
The YOG were initiated by Jacques Rogge, in response to the need to promote peace, tolerance and fraternity in today’s world. The Olympic values, integrating sport, culture and education, are a means of transmitting these essential values to younger generations. The YOG are therefore a powerful tool to shape the future by instilling principles of respect, fair play and intercultural understanding.
Previous editions of the YOG, from Singapore in 2010 to Buenos Aires in 2018, have brought together thousands of athletes, delegations and volunteers. Each of these editions has been a success, with a steady increase in the number of participating countries, athletes and sporting disciplines. The YOG have become a global playground where young people come together to share values and experiences, well beyond competition.
The election of Dakar as the host city of the YOG 2026 marks a historic moment for Africa. The decision was taken at the 133rd IOC Session in October 2018, making Dakar the first African city to host the YOG.
The Vision of Dakar 2026 is to place the Games at the heart of Africa’s transformation. Senegal, with its Emerging Senegal Plan, highlights youth and sporting excellence as drivers of economic and social development. Dakar 2026 is not limited to a simple sporting event, but aims to catalyze social, cultural, educational and economic transformation by inspiring African youth.
The postponement of the YOG from 2022 to 2026 due to the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed for better planning of the event and ensured its success. The event will now be held from 31 October to 13 November 2026.
Dakar 2026’s missions include delivering healthy, safe and festive Games, showcasing the world’s best young athletes, while promoting excellence, friendship and respect. These Games will be a source of inspiration for Senegalese, African and global youth.
The objectives of Dakar 2026 go beyond sport, encompassing organizational, economic, cultural and social aspects. They include the promotion of Senegalese hospitality, local economic development, awareness of sustainable development issues and civic engagement of young people.
Opportunities, transformations, legacy
Dakar 2026 seeks to create a lasting legacy for Africa’s youth. Opportunities for transformation lie in the areas of sports, health, education, culture, youth, digital and infrastructure. Sharing these opportunities with other African countries is a key objective.
Strong partnerships with other organising committees, such as Paris 2024, will enable Dakar 2026 to benefit from resources and expertise. The legacy strategy has been integrated into all stages of the project, from planning to delivery of the Games.
The YOG Dakar 2026 are a unique opportunity for Senegal, Africa and the Olympic Movement. They will be much more than just a sporting event, shaping the future by inspiring youth, catalysing social, cultural, educational and economic transformations, and leaving a lasting legacy.
Senegal, through Dakar 2026, is showing the world that the country is ready to take on the most ambitious challenges and succeed. The mobilization of youth is already underway, and these Games will be organized by young people, with young people and for young people. Africa and the whole world are eagerly awaiting this extraordinary Olympic adventure.
