The 8 th Congress of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), Africa zone, was held in Banjul, Gambia. A YOGOC delegation was invited to present the progress of preparations for this event.
Dakar 2026 is already thrilling Africa. With just a few months to go before the start of the first ever Olympic sporting event to be held in Africa, a YOGOC delegation travelled to Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, to take part in the 8th Congress of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).
On Friday 6 February, the 8th AIPS Africa Congress opened at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Centre in Banjul. Over two days, sports journalists, leaders and officials from across the continent discussed the challenges facing African sport and its future, with a particular focus on upcoming major international events, including the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
On this occasion, AIPS Africa invited a YOGOC delegation led by Mr Abdoulaye Kanouté, Director of Communications, Ms Mame Fatou Ndoye, Press and Media Officer, and Ms Awa Ndao, Youth Engagement Officer. AYO, the official mascot of the Dakar 2026 YOG, was also in attendance.
Close collaboration
The YOGOC delegation presented the progress made in preparations for the Youth Games. Discussions with media professionals focused on several key topics, including the presentation of competition venues, the progress of infrastructure work, and the upcoming launch of the media portal for accreditations.
Measures planned to facilitate travel, transportation, and accommodation for journalists during the Games were also presented. All of these elements were welcomed by AIPS members, who emphasized the importance of close collaboration between organizers and the sports press.
A historic event
The presence of AYO, the official mascot of the Dakar 2026 YOG, brought a festive atmosphere to the meeting. To the beat of Gambian music, the YOG mascot won over the audience, energetically embodying the Games' slogan: “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates.”
A powerful symbol of a historic event that is already shaping up to be a showcase for the dynamism, youth, and hospitality of the African continent.
The Dakar 2026 YOG are scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13 in Dakar, Saly, and Diamniadio. More than 2,700 athletes are expected to participate in this Olympic sporting event.
