Senegal prepares for historic Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Preparations are intensifying for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Senegal from October 31 to November 13. This event marks the first time the Youth Olympic Games will be hosted on the African continent.

Organizers have released the competition schedule and confirmed that approximately 2,700 athletes aged 15 to 17 will participate across 25 sports and 239 events. The games will be distributed across three main zones: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. To ensure safety, Senegalese police have begun conducting simulation exercises and inspecting operational command posts in Dakar and Thiès. Additionally, 200 volunteers are undergoing training in Thiès to assist with logistics and delegation support.

Key figures and international interest are growing, with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge named as an ambassador for the games. National teams are also finalizing rosters; for example, Spain will send 44 athletes, and Argentina has named its rugby seven squad. The Olympic flame has also begun its national tour through Senegal, recently passing through Thiès to build local engagement.