The Coordination Commission for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games met on 8 and 9 May. Newly elected IOC President Kirsty Coventry was in Senegal for the occasion, sending a strong signal of the importance of the event, the first of this magnitude on the African continent. "We all know that the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be truly special. Dakar 2026 will be an opportunity for Africa to shine on the world stage ", Thomas Bach added in a video message. The assessment made by all participants is encouraging, a year and a half before the opening of the competition on October 31, 2026.
Eight competition sites, the corniche in the spotlight
The master plan for the venues is now finalized. Eight competition venues have been identified in three zones: Dakar, Diamniadio, and finally Saly, on the coast. The question mark surrounding the route for the road cycling events has disappeared: the start and finish will be along Dakar's western corniche, thus showcasing one of the capital's most beautiful settings. The corniche will also host the Let's Move Space, where the public will be able to experience the event through sporting, cultural, educational, and interactive activities such as demonstrations, workshops, and shows. "With less than 18 months to go, we are entering the final stretch. The momentum that has been built gives us full confidence to organize extraordinary Games for Africa ", rejoices Humphrey Kayange, new chairman of the coordination committee.
« Significant construction progress has been seen at major sites ", underlines the IOC. Many international federations have come to the site in recent weeks (3x3 basketball, breaking, baseball5) to take stock of the progress of preparations, particularly around the Egg Tower Complex. The Coordination Commission reviewed all possible topics, from membership management to legacy, including ticketing, marketing, security and youth mobilization. The IOC press release notes, without going into too much detail, that in all of these areas, " progress has been made since the commission last met in November 2024 ».
The Learning Academy applauded
Eagerly awaited a month before the official start of her mandate, Kirsty Coventry symbolically inscribed her name on the Wall of Olympians, alongside former rugby player Humphrey Kayange. The two-time Olympic swimming champion also met the first cohort of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy, which will train more than 400 young people for the YOG. What is important is not only the infrastructure, but the social, economic and human legacy that these Games will leave to the people, insists Coventry. We are pleased with what we saw and heard over the past two days, particularly regarding the Learning Academy… With the first cohort, it is something tangible for the legacy of Dakar 2026. »
« At the end of its seventh meeting, the coordination commission, headed by its new president, Humphrey Kayange, saw and appreciated the significant progress linked to the preparation (…) and above all was able to see that the horizon is well set for memorable YOG on African soil, adds Ibrahima Wade, general coordinator of the COJOG. It is heartening to note the reaffirmed commitment of the newly elected IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, to support our shared project. This provides additional motivation and mobilization for the YOGOC teams and all national stakeholders. The spirit of co-creation between the IOC and Dakar 2026, which has prevailed so far, has once again prevailed. » An important step to get people talking about the event and mobilizing young people: the official mascot of the YOG will be presented in the coming weeks, in June.
