Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics motto unveiled

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) have revealed their official motto, “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates,”.

This motto, highlighting Senegal as the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event and then emphasising the entire continent’s role, was introduced by the Dakar 2026 organising committee (YOGOC) at the 142nd Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“This motto is designed to capture the essence of African hospitality and the festive spirit of Dakar, while inviting the world to share and celebrate together,” said Kirsty Coventry, IOC member and Chair of the Coordination Commission for the YOG Dakar 2026.

Running from October 31 to November 14, Dakar 2026 will feature the world’s top young athletes across three host sites Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly with the aim to transform Senegal through sport and set a precedent for future YOG hosts.

During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the YOGOC plans to engage fans at Africa Station on L’ile-Saint-Denis with cultural and sporting events, and at Parc Georges-Valbon with broadcasts, workshops, and activities.