The event may still seem distant. Almost three years. A whole world. But in Senegal, the 2026 Youth Games (October 31 to November 13) have already started. Since last year, Dakar and the two other host cities, Saly and Diamniadio, have hosted a preview of the first meeting in history on the African continent.
The Dakar en Jeux festival, a joyful mix of sport and culture, began last year. It celebrated its second edition from October 31 to November 4, 2023. The others will follow.
At the helm of the event for the YOG 2026 organizing committee, Amadou Fall Ba. Present this week in Paris on the occasion of the Smarticites & Sport Summit, the Senegalese explained to FrancsJeux evolution and prospects.
FrancsJeux : What place does the Dakar en Jeux festival occupy in the preparation of the 2026 Youth Games in Senegal?
Amadou Fall Ba : The first edition, in fall 2022, was above all a test. Its program was more cultural than sporting. The festival mainly concerned Dakar. But the result was very encouraging. This year, we gave the event a more national dimension, by inviting representatives from the 14 regions of Senegal. The festival took place in the three cities that will share the YOG competition venues in 2026: Dakar, the capital; Saly on the coast; and the new town of Diamniadio. We added an opening ceremony. Four concerts were on the program, plus a whole series of demonstrations and sporting competitions, notably in athletics, breaking, field hockey, triathlon, Senegalese wrestling.
Will the festival evolve until the Dakar Youth Games in 2026?
Yes. Each edition will mark an additional stage. Next year, we are going to give it an African dimension, by inviting artists and athletes from other African countries. The YOG 2026 will be the first Olympic event ever organized in Africa. We must speak to all of Africa. The following year, in 2025, we will push the boundaries further by opening it to the whole world. One year before the YOG, this will allow us to get used to it, but also to look elsewhere in the world for talent and expertise.
Will the festival's sports program change?
Yes. We will alternate sports from one edition to another. The Dakar en Jeux festival, in its sporting aspect, does not only serve to showcase and highlight Senegalese, and soon African and world, athletes. It is also designed as a way to introduce young Senegalese to the practice of disciplines, but also to introduce sports about which the Senegalese public knows almost nothing. To do this, we must present these little-known disciplines, make them discovered and appreciated.
Will the festival survive the 2026 YOG?
The reflection is underway. We think about it. Continuing a sports and cultural festival after the 2026 Youth Games could contribute to the legacy of this first Olympic event in Africa. Nothing has been decided yet, but the idea of continuing it after the YOG is already being considered.
