Created by the International Olympic Committee in 2007, the Youth Olympic Games highlight young athletes between the ages of 15 and 18. After Singapore (2010), Innsbruck (2012), Buenos Aires (2018) and Gangwon (2024), they will be held for the first time on the African continent, from 31 October to 13 November 2026, in Dakar.
With a population of 17 million, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and a relatively stable political climate, Senegal is a strategic choice for this world sporting event. The country has suitable venues and infrastructure for the organisation of these games, such as an Olympic swimming pool, various stadiums, equestrian centres, beaches, wrestling arenas and golf courses.
Although the Youth Olympic Games are not a priority for the Senegalese population - who would first and foremost like to see their basic needs met - this international event represents both a key political moment and an opportunity for the country to improve its image after the governmental instabilities and the crises in the tourism sector suffered in recent years (from 2021 to the present).
It is also an opportunity to revalue the territory through the planning and construction of sports facilities, especially in areas far from the historic centre, as part of a strategy of social inclusion and equity.
These Youth Olympic Games are historic on several levels: not only will they be the first to be held in Africa, but for the first time in Olympic history, a comprehensive gender perspective will be applied.
An equal number of women and men are expected to compete, as well as an equal number of events for each gender.
Sports such as rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, as well as wrestling and boxing, will also be marked by parity. The upcoming Youth Olympic Games will include a total of 239 competitions: 11 mixed team events, 114 men's events and 114 women's events.
In addition, Senegal's geographical location will allow the introduction of sporting innovations such as beach wrestling, canoeing and the pentathlon, which will be held in the Atlantic Ocean.
This international sporting event has a strong symbolic value both for the country and
for the continent. Senegal has a unique opportunity before it, but also a great responsibility to which it will have to respond, especially in terms of management and legacy.