Because the Senegalese capital prepares to welcome the world’s greatest youth athletes aiming to create a constructive impression 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 will probably 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 may welcome the youth of the world in Senegal,” the IOC President, Thomas Bach, mentioned.
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 interact and mobilise native youth in Senegal.
“Dakar 2026 represents a singular alternative to unfold the Olympic spirit all through Africa and encourage not solely younger athletes, but additionally native youth,” she mentioned. “Already, due to the collaborative efforts between the YOGOC and IOC groups, we’ve 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 convey to the native communities.
She continued: “We sit up for working intently with the Dakar 2026 group over the subsequent 1,000 days to ship transformative and provoking YOG, showcasing the unifying energy of sport and the wealthy cultural heritage of Africa.”
Ibrahima Wade, Normal Coordinator of the YOGOC, mentioned: “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 major step in infrastructure improvement for the Video games. The refurbishment of the stadium is a part of a broader initiative to make sure state-of-the-art services for Dakar 2026, which is able to rely primarily on present and up to date venues, making certain a sustainable legacy for the YOG.
Current efforts have additionally included a complete assessment of the sports activities programme, specializing in disciplines, occasions and athlete quotas, with the Video games Grasp Plan subsequently being tailored to optimise the usage of the Youth Olympic Village and prioritise elite athlete improvement pathways. The method included beneficial enter from the Worldwide Olympic Sports activities Federations to finalise competitors websites, with the IOC Government Board set to substantiate 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 information 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 better public engagement and consciousness for the YOG.
The YOG Dakar 2026 will happen for 2 weeks from 31 October, bringing collectively the world’s greatest younger athletes. The Video games might be held throughout three host websites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly), and purpose to function a catalyst to remodel Senegal by way of sport, whereas changing into a blueprint for future YOG hosts.
