Because the Senegalese capital prepares to welcome the world’s finest youth athletes aiming to create a constructive influence for younger folks all through the host nation and the African continent, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) celebrates 1,000 days to go till the Youth Olympic Video games Dakar 2026 (YOG). This occasion holds historic significance as it is going to be the primary Olympic occasion to be held on African soil.
“We can not look ahead to the second to benefit from the first Olympic occasion on African soil, an occasion for Africa, with Africa, that can welcome the youth of the world in Senegal,” the IOC President, Thomas Bach, stated.
Reflecting on the 1,000 days-to-go milestone, Kirsty Coventry, the Chair of the Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Fee for Dakar 2026, highlighted the spectacular efforts which have already been made to have interaction and mobilise native youth in Senegal.
“Dakar 2026 represents a novel alternative to unfold the Olympic spirit all through Africa and encourage not solely younger athletes, but in addition native youth,” she stated. “Already, due to the collaborative efforts between the YOGOC and IOC groups, we now have seen how engagement initiatives just like the Dakar en Jeux Pageant are reaching 1000’s of younger folks in Senegal and constructing the legacy that the YOG will deliver to the native communities.
She continued: “We sit up for working intently with the Dakar 2026 crew over the following 1,000 days to ship transformative and galvanizing YOG, showcasing the unifying energy of sport and the wealthy cultural heritage of Africa.”
Ibrahima Wade, Normal Coordinator of the YOGOC, stated: “1,000 days separate us from the Opening Ceremony. It’s a symbolic date for us as a result of we’re little by little getting nearer to welcoming the world and celebrating with the youth of the world — the African youth, the Senegalese youth — the primary African Olympic occasion.”
He continued: “The countdown has begun for the rendez-vous with the world”.
Planning and preparations progressing at full velocity
With 1,000 days to go, progress continues to be made in planning and preparations for the YOG, with the renovation of the Iba Mar Diop stadium lately commencing, marking a big step in infrastructure growth for the Video games. The refurbishment of the stadium is a part of a broader initiative to make sure state-of-the-art amenities for Dakar 2026, which is able to rely primarily on current and up to date venues, making certain a sustainable legacy for the YOG.
Current efforts have additionally included a complete evaluation of the sports activities programme, specializing in disciplines, occasions and athlete quotas, with the Video games Grasp Plan subsequently being tailored to optimise using the Youth Olympic Village and prioritise elite athlete growth pathways. The method included helpful enter from the Worldwide Olympic Sports activities Federations to finalise competitors websites, with the IOC Govt Board set to verify the ultimate sports activities programme and athlete quotas shortly.
As well as, the YOGOC held a coaching seminar for Senegalese sports activities journalists in December, serving to to equip native media with complete data of the plans for Dakar 2026. Specializing in infrastructural plans, the precept of co-construction with the IOC, spreading the Olympic values, and the Dakar en Jeux Pageant, the seminar aimed to foster higher public engagement and consciousness for the YOG.
The YOG Dakar 2026 will happen for 2 weeks from 31 October, bringing collectively the world’s finest younger athletes. The Video games can be held throughout three host websites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly), and intention to function a catalyst to remodel Senegal by way of sport, whereas changing into a blueprint for future YOG hosts.
