Africa Makes History: Hosting First-Ever Olympic Event in 2026

By Abdul – kareem Macaulay

Senegal to Make History as First African Host of Youth Olympic Games

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In 2026, Senegal will proudly welcome the world to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event will be held on African soil. The Games will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026, bringing together 2,700 top young athletes from around the globe.

The YOG will be held in three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The event aims to transform Senegal through sport, inspiring hope, opportunities, and confidence among young Africans. The Games’ motto, “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates,” embodies this unique vision.

The Youth Games Organizing Committee (YOGOC) emphasizes that the YOG will be an event for the entire African continent. The Games will showcase Senegalese hospitality and generosity, combined with sport, youth, hope, and celebration.

Thirty-five international federations will participate in the Games, featuring 25 sports and 10 disciplines in the engagement program. The competition program will include sports such as athletics, aquatics, archery, and badminton, among others.

For the first time in the history of the summer YOG, full gender equality will be achieved, with equal representation in the overall athlete quota, sports, disciplines, and events. The Games will feature 151 events, including seven mixed-gender events.

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