The 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG2026) are a unique platform for athletes under the age of 18 from all countries, providing an opportunity for competition and dedication in the spirit of friendship and excellence.
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, has been chosen to host these games in 2026, a major event which should, in theory, generate enthusiasm among the population. However, it seems that the enthusiasm of the Senegalese for this event is not at the expected level. In this article, we will explore the factors that explain this lack of enthusiasm.
1. The economic and social context
Senegal, as in most African countries, faces significant economic challenges, such as unemployment, poverty, inflation, the cost of rent, unmet expectations of the new regime… These daily problems occupy the minds of citizens, who may view the Youth Olympic Games as a low-priority distraction from more pressing concerns. The significant investment required to host such sporting events may also raise concerns about the allocation of public resources, especially if the direct benefits for the population are not clearly seen. The last time the former Mayor of Dakar, Barthelemy Diaz spoke of a budget of 80 billion FCFA reserved for the YOG2026
2. The relative popularity of sports
In Senegal, football is undoubtedly the most popular and followed sport. The passion for football is immense, and the Senegalese are proud of their national team, which has experienced moments of glory on the international scene, notably in the FIFA World Cup and also on the African continent with the coronation of the CAN in 202. In comparison, other Olympic sports do not benefit from the same visibility and passion. It is possible that the population feels less interested in competitions that highlight less familiar or less publicized sports.
3. Sports infrastructure and preparations
Organizing the Youth Olympic Games requires adequate sports infrastructure, including stadiums, training centers and modern facilities. If Senegal delays in setting up these infrastructures efficiently, this could harm the enthusiasm for the games. Furthermore, if preparations are marked by delays, excessive costs or other factors, this could erode Senegalese confidence in the event.
4. Sports governance and transparency
Sports governance in Senegal, as in many countries, is often criticized for its lack of transparency and efficiency. If sports governing bodies are perceived as ineffective, inaccessible or disconnected from the concerns of athletes and fans, this could contribute to the lack of enthusiasm for the YOG2026. The Senegalese may fear that the event will be used for economic purposes rather than to promote youth and sport.
5. Lack of awareness and promotion
The popularity of a major sporting event like the YOG often depends on how it is promoted and presented to the public. If the media, authorities and sporting bodies do not carry out a sufficiently effective awareness campaign, citizens may not understand the importance of the event or not feel concerned by its success. A lack of media coverage or clear communication on the issues and objectives of the YOG2026 could contribute to the lack of enthusiasm.
6. Precedents and past experience
Senegal has hosted several major sporting events, such as the Friendship Games in 1963, the African Games in 2002 and the Francophonie Games in 2017. If these events left a mixed feeling among the population, either due to their management, their economic impact or their legacy, this could influence the perception of the YOG of 2026. The Senegalese could be more skeptical about the organization of such a event, given the positive effects of previous events are not clearly perceptible, particularly in the infrastructures
7. The perception of the Youth Olympic Games
The Youth Olympic Games are a relatively recent creation, having launched in 2010. Compared to the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the YOG are less well known and less publicized. Senegalese people may not fully understand the importance of these games or their difference from other sporting competitions. Without a clear understanding of the purpose and value of the YOG, it is difficult to engage the public.
8. The sidelining of champions
The sidelining of Olympic champions in the organization of an Olympic event in Senegal looks more like a settling of personal scores or Top Down management in ivory towers than common sense. During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the main leaders were mainly from the sporting world, as were those in Los Angeles and others before them.
How can we understand that the COJ2026 in Dakar does not rely on our national and international champions and leaders from the start by skipping the best of them, the best in Africa and in the world from Amadou Dia Ba to Amy Mbacke Thiam, through Sadio Mane, El Hadj Ousseynou Diouf, Balla Gaye, Reug Reug, Oumar Gueye Sene, Boubacar Sarr Locotte, Serigne Cheikh Faye says Apollo, Kankou Coulibaly…a list that the Senegalese can easily complete because we have such an exceptional sporting talent that all of Africa envies us.
In order to generate greater interest, it is essential that authorities, sporting bodies and the media work together to promote the event, explain its importance and guarantee a transparent and efficient organization. Only a global and concerted approach can hope to transform this lack of enthusiasm into massive support for the Dakar 2026 YOG.
2026 is now and the YOG2026 in Dakar concerns above all Africans and all the youth of the world.
Gentlemen, Ladies wake up while there is still time
Moussa Sarr
[email protected]
