The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are much more than a sporting competition, they are a celebration of excellence, diversity and the transformative power of sport. Our ambassadors, emblematic figures of their communities, embody these values. Sportsmen and women, personalities from the world of sport, culture and African society, through their passion, commitment and influence, they inspire young people around the world to push their limits, believe in their dreams and actively participate in building a more inclusive future.
Africa League Basketball President
Amadou Gallo Fall is one of the greatest architects of African basketball development. President of the new Basketball Africa League (BAL), he is renowned for his commitment to African youth and to using sport as a lever for social change. A former vice-president of international operations for the NBA, he is behind several initiatives that promote leadership, education and achievement through sport.
As an ambassador for Dakar 2026, he embodies an Africa that is ambitious, proud and determined to look to the future. His career is inspiring generations of young people to believe in their dreams.
Senegalese International Football Player
African champion in 2022 with “les Lions de la Teranga” (the Senegalese football team), Abdou Diallo is much more than a talented defender. He is a model of rigour, humility and commitment. Trained in France, he played for some of Europe's biggest clubs, including PSG, before becoming a pillar of the Senegalese national team.
His attachment to his roots and his desire to represent his country make him a natural ambassador for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). He embodies Senegalese unity, perseverance and pride “on and off the pitch”.
Senegalese International Swimmer
Oumy Diop represents the new generation of Senegalese athletes who dare to break down barriers. A top-level swimmer, she is flying the flag for Senegal in a discipline that still receives little media coverage on the continent, including a participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her career is that of a pioneer: determined, persevering and deeply committed to passing on her passion.
As an ambassador for Dakar 2026, she embodies openness, inclusiveness and self-confidence. Her commitment to women's sport and access to swimming for all makes her a source of inspiration for young people in Africa.
Education & Inclusion Activist
Founder of “Les Racines de l'Espoir” association, Sophie Gueye has been working for years to build a united and sustainable future. A committed entrepreneur, she develops educational and cultural projects to strengthen links between the African diaspora and young people across the continent. Her work is based on strong values: sharing, transmission and empowerment.
As ambassador for Dakar 2026, she reminds us that the Games are not just a sporting event, but also a catalyst for social, cultural and environmental transformation.
Senegalese International Football Player
A key player for the Senegal women's national team, Ndèye Awa Diakhate is a fighter. She is an active campaigner for the recognition of women's football in Senegal and inspires young girls to take up the sport with confidence and determination. Her career illustrates the rise of women in traditionally male-dominated disciplines.
As an ambassador for Dakar 2026, she is a symbol of courage, equality and emancipation through sport.
Senegalese Artist
An icon of Senegalese rap, Dip Doundou Guiss is the voice of a generation. Through his hard-hitting, committed lyrics, he tackles powerful themes: youth, society, identity and African dreams. A visionary artist deeply rooted in his culture, he embodies the link between tradition and modernity. His influence extends beyond music: he inspires, mobilises and unites.
As an ambassador for Dakar 2026, Dip represents young people who are creative, aware and agents of change. Dip is a symbol of urban energy in line with the values of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Activiste écologique
Figure inspirante de l’écologie urbaine au Sénégal, Abdou Touré, plus connu sous le nom de Tonton Vert, lutte depuis plusieurs années pour la protection de la biodiversité.
À travers son engagement, sur les réseaux sociaux comme dans la vie de tous les jours, pour un environnement plus vert et sa proximité avec la jeunesse, il incarne les valeurs d’espoir, de durabilité et d’action positive que portent ces Jeux uniques en Afrique.
Socially engaged artist
He is an iconoclastic artist: at once content creator, rapper, singer, songwriter, and performer... And more recently, a brand ambassador. But what best characterizes Elzo Jamdong is his commitment to social and environmental issues.
Actor, producer, filmmaker
His face is one of the most recognizable in French cinema. He has starred in more than 40 successful films and series (Lupin, The Intouchables, Chocolat) and co-produced numerous projects that have been acclaimed by audiences (Tirailleurs (Father & Soldier), Yao).
But Omar Sy is not just a big name in cinema. Alongside his acting career, he leads large-scale projects to encourage younger generations—particularly those in Africa—to venture into the world of filmmaking.
Senegalese International Footballer
At 34, he is considered one of the best defenders of his generation, if not the world. Kalidou Koulibaly, who has just celebrated a decade with the national team, is a true football star.
Currently captain of the Lions, the player who now plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia remains deeply committed to African and Afro-descendant youth. He has just launched his football academy in Ngaparou (west of Senegal), Mbarodi, and encourages future generations to take action to have a positive impact on the world.
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