Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games
Olympic history will be made in 2026 when the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) take place in Dakar, Senegal. Staged over two weeks from 31 October to 13 November, Dakar 2026 will be the first Olympic sporting event to be held in Africa.
Bringing together 2,700 of the world's best young athletes, Dakar 2026 will be hosted across three sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. The Games will feature 153 events across 25 sports on the competition programme and will be the first YOG to achieve full gender equality.
Dakar 2026 will also be the first YOG to feature an all-new engagement programme, showcasing a further 10 sports. This programme aims to build interest and participation in these sports within the host region by encouraging young people to take part.
This new approach, developed alongside the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee and the International Federations, ensures the YOG align with the local context in the host region. By connecting with the local population while maintaining the role of being a key platform for global youth sport, Dakar 2026 will offer a blueprint for future YOG hosts.
Athlete Education Programme
One of the main pillars of the Youth Olympic Games, helping athletes develop skills and experience off the field of play.
Athlete Role Models
These Olympians and elite athletes will be on site to engage with athletes, provide support and take part in educational workshops.