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The motto – “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates” – underscores the uniqueness of this edition of the YOG, with Senegal being the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event. The YOGOC has emphasised that the YOG will be an event for the entire African continent.
With this motto, Dakar 2026 is seeking to develop a brand that underlines its unique vision for the YOG, aiming to create an event that combines Senegalese Teranga – the host nation’s generosity of spirit and hospitality – with sport, youth, hope and celebration.
"This motto is designed to capture the essence of African hospitality and the festive spirit of Dakar, while inviting the world to share and celebrate together."
The Dakar 2026 YOG will be held over two weeks from 31 October 2026, and will bring together the world's best young athletes. The Games, which will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly), aim to serve as a catalyst to transform Senegal through sport, while becoming a blueprint for future YOG hosts.
Through the "Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates" motto, the YOGOC also aims to express how the young people of Africa are ready to welcome the world’s youth to collaboratively shape the ambitions of their shared future during the Games.
Coventry also unveiled Dakar 2026's plans to engage fans during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games..
With Île-Saint-Denis being transformed into " Africa Station" – a fan zone dedicated to African culture and sport – the YOGOC will join the celebrations with a special programme of activities throughout the Games.
Dakar 2026 will also host a series of events at the Parc Georges-Valbon live site in Seine-Saint-Denis, which will come alive during the Games with action broadcast on big screens, interactive workshops, artistic events and sports activities.
