Dakar 2026 has officially entered the delivery phase as preparations for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) accelerate across Senegal. With venue works advancing and operational readiness in full swing, the Games year has begun, according to the latest report presented to the 145th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session. The event is set to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, hosting approximately 2,700 young athletes across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
The Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC), led by President Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye and General Coordinator Ibrahima Wade, has shifted focus from planning to delivery. Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange highlighted the progress, noting the importance of monitoring priorities systematically. Venue renovations are underway, with some sites already hosting operational tests. The Youth Olympic Village will later be converted into student accommodation, ensuring long-term benefits for young athletes.
Public engagement is on the rise, bolstered by events such as the One-Year-To-Go celebrations and the Dakar en Jeux festival, which featured an international futsal competition. The Dakar 2026 OMEGA countdown clock in the capital serves as a daily reminder of the approaching Games.
A significant focus of Dakar 2026 is its legacy for African youth. The Dakar 2026 Learning Academy has nearly 200 participants from 25 African National Olympic Committees (NOCs), whilst the Jambaar26 volunteer programme aims to mobilise 6,000 volunteers. The arrival of the Olympic flame in September will further unite communities across Senegal and the continent, supported by Olympic Solidarity
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