Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games preparations advance in Senegal

Preparations are underway for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Senegal, which will mark the first Olympic event held on the African continent. Scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026, the games are expected to host approximately 2,700 young athletes competing in 25 sports.

In sports news, French fencer Nina Zacchia has been identified as the sole French representative for the sabre discipline. Currently ranked number one nationally in the M17 women's sabre category, Zacchia has previously competed in international events, including the European Championships in Tbilisi.

On the cultural front, the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee has announced the winners of the official dance competition. Six Senegalese dancers were selected to create the choreography that will accompany the official celebrations of the games, highlighting local artistic involvement in the international event.