Senegal is gearing up to host a landmark event in 2026, the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). This event will not only be the first Olympic sporting event held on African soil but also a momentous occasion for Senegal and the entire continent. Scheduled to take place over two weeks starting from October 31, 2026, the YOG will bring together 2,700 of the world’s best young athletes in a celebration of sports, culture, and unity.
The games will be hosted across three sites: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. Each location will contribute to the unique experience of the YOG, embodying Senegalese Teranga—the nation’s renowned generosity and hospitality. The motto of this edition, “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates,” reflects the vision of the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) to use the event as a catalyst for transformation and inspiration across Africa.
Thirty-five International Federations (IFs) will participate in the Games, showcasing a diverse array of sports. The competition will feature disciplines from 25 sports including athletics, swimming, archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, gymnastics, handball, judo, rowing, rugby, sailing, skateboarding, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, volleyball, wrestling, and wushu. Additionally, the engagement programme will promote 10 sports such as canoe-kayak, golf, hockey, karate, modern pentathlon, shooting, sport climbing, surfing, tennis, and weightlifting through interactive activities.
One of the most significant aspects of Dakar 2026 is the commitment to full gender equality. For the first time in the history of the Summer YOG, there will be an equal number of events for men and women, with 72 events each, along with seven mixed-gender events. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the movement towards equality in sports.
The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar promise to be a grand celebration of youth, sports, and African culture. It aims to inspire hope, opportunities, and confidence among young people, setting a new blueprint for future YOG hosts and leaving a lasting legacy for the continent.
