Senegal, the first African nation to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2026, will stand as a global showcase - not only for itself, but for the entire continent.
This landmark sporting event, unprecedented in Africa, will bring together nearly 2,700 athletes aged between 14 and 18, girls and boys alike, over 14 days of competition and cultural activities, alongside thousands of officials and accompanying delegations.
A central highlight of the Games will be the Victory Ceremony, during which medals are awarded to the top three athletes or teams in each event.
The presenters of these medals wear formal attire, the design of which is selected through a competition.
Following each Olympic event, a formal Victory Ceremony takes place.
Medallists receive their medals immediately after their competition, and they are officially honoured once again during the ceremony itself.
A three-tiered podium is used, with the gold medallist standing on the highest step.
After the medals have been presented, the flags of the three medallists’ nations are raised.
As Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, aptly observed: “These ceremonies are profoundly significant moments in an athlete’s life - moments of achievement, communion with the public and pride in representing one’s country. Absolutely unique, they deserve to be elevated.”
During the ceremony, medals are presented on a tray by selected volunteers, known as medal presenters. They wear an official outfit whose design traditionally reflects the cultural identity of the host nation through its style, materials and craftsmanship.
For the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, a national design competition has therefore been launched to create this official attire - an image that will leave a lasting impression and evoke Dakar 2026 at every appearance.
The initiative also aims to foster engagement and mobilise local youth through creative expression.
Les concours des JOJ Dakar 2026 ont pour objectif d’inviter la jeunesse sénégalaise à contribuer à l’héritage des JOJ et à laisser son empreinte dans son histoire.Cette démarche encourage également les jeunes à s’approprier le projet.
The competition concerns the design of the official outfit to be worn by medal presenters during the Victory Ceremonies.
It is being organised nationwide, under the supervision of a designated jury and in accordance with a detailed design brief.
The competition is open exclusively to Senegalese stylists, fashion designers and creatives under the age of 35.
Theme: “From History to the Future”
A story to be written based on a shared imagination
The official outfit must tell a story — one rooted in a shared national imagination.
It should promote Dakar 2026 while honouring Senegal’s history and inspiring its youth to write the next chapter.
The design must embody values capable of uniting not only a nation, but potentially a continent.
It should express unity, cohesion and solidarity among the Senegalese people, while reflecting a country firmly grounded in its traditions yet open to fraternity, modernity and progress.
“From History to the Future” is more than a theme; it reflects a lived reality. By honouring its past and actively shaping its future, Senegal continues to demonstrate the strength of its heritage and the boundless potential of its youth.
The creation must be entirely original and must not replicate or draw upon any existing work. It must be produced independently, without third-party assistance or the use of digital or artificial intelligence tools.
The design must not reference commercial brands, political, religious or ideological symbols, nor include any content that is discriminatory, violent or hateful.
The outfit must be comfortable, practical and easy to wear, allowing freedom of movement without being cumbersome.
Les matières devront être agréable et respirante, adaptées au climat local.
Materials should be breathable, pleasant to wear and suited to the local climate. The use of sustainable fabrics is strongly encouraged.