The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) arrived on Wednesday October 16 in Dakar, host city of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games which will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026
In Senegal, Thomas Bach met athletes and officials from the Olympic movement, and visited the facilities for the next Summer YOG in 2026. Thomas Bach notably visited the Iba Mar Diop stadium and the Olympic swimming pool. «These Youth Olympic Games are not only for Senegal, but for all of Africa. This is why I am accompanied today by many African members who fully support this vision. They are excellent ambassadors for these Games in their country. Together, they demonstrate the strong partnership that unites the IOC and its African members,” said Thomas Bach, who will not seek a third term during the 142nd IOC session, scheduled for March 18 to 21, 2025 in Greece.
He expressed on Thursday October 17 his “confidence” in “the great success of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG)”, planned for Senegal in 2026.
“I can confirm to you, after having received information and carried out visits to certain construction sites, that we all have confidence in the great success of these YOG in Dakar, for all of Africa and by Africa,” a- he said during a press conference.
The YOG for the first time in Africa
“The Committee has done extraordinary work. We are sure that its members are up to these challenges and that they can rejoice in the support of the Senegalese authorities,” he indicated, stressing that such mobilization “promises a great celebration for the Africa, a young continent, which is gaining importance in the world of sport and the Olympic movement. »
“This will be an opportunity to show the world Africa’s leadership thanks to this formidable project led by Senegal and its authorities,” added Mr. Bach.
The fourth edition of its kind, the YOG, which will be held for the first time in Africa, will bring together young people aged 15 to 18 in Senegal who will compete in 35 sporting disciplines.
Initially scheduled for 2022, then postponed to 2026, the YOG will take place in three cities in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio (30km from Dakar) and Saly (88km from Dakar). “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates” is the slogan of the competition.
Par The editorial staffEditorial Committee – Casablanca
