As part of its preparation activities, the Organizing Committee for the Youth Olympic Games (COJOG) Dakar 2026 carried out a tour of the sports infrastructures on Wednesday. The visits covered several key sites, including the Iba Mar Diop Stadium and the Tour de l’Œuf complex in Dakar, as well as facilities in Diamniadio and on Saly Ouest beach.
During a press conference, Abdoulaye Kanouté, communications director for the YOG Dakar 2026, announced several major innovations. Among these, the Olympic flame tour which will extend for the first time beyond the borders of the host country. Thanks to the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the flame will visit three other African countries: Botswana, Nigeria and Tunisia.
Mr. Kanouté justified this choice by recalling that Dakar was in competition with these countries for the organization of the YOG 2026. “This initiative shows that the Games do not only concern Senegal, but represent a continental project,” he said. he declared.
The flame will also travel through the 14 regions of Senegal, thus strengthening national inclusion.
Another novelty: the participation of a team of refugees in these Games, like the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, an approach which reflects the values of inclusion and solidarity supported by the Olympic movement.
Evolving infrastructures
The tour made it possible to assess the state of sports infrastructure. The Iba Mar Diop Stadium, under construction since October 4, is undergoing a major transformation to become a multi-sports complex. According to Saliou Sène, deputy coordinator of the infrastructure improvement program, “30% of the work has been completed in terms of commitment and 15% in terms of completion”.
The renovated stadium will include a main stand increasing capacity from 5,000 to 8,000, a nine-lane athletics track meeting IAAF standards, as well as several pitches dedicated to rugby, boxing, and handball with a covered stand with 3,000 seats.
The Dakar Olympic swimming pool will host nine disciplines, divided into two phases, including swimming, breaking, basketball and baseball. In Diamniadio, the Abdoulaye Wade stadium will be dedicated to archery and cycling, while Saly will host competitions in badminton, indoor football and other disciplines.
The OCOG Dakar 2026 also intends to involve young people in the event. In January, a competition for the creation of the mascot will be launched, open to students aged 6 to 17. “We want these Games to be a moment of communion for young Africans and a showcase of our continent,” underlined Abdou Diaw, director of operations.
Managers want to be reassuring that deadlines will be met. “Infrastructure is not a major concern,” said Diaw, stressing that the necessary temporary facilities will be put in place in time.
“With these preparations, Dakar is part of a dynamic where the YOG goes beyond its local framework to become a symbol of African cooperation and regional integration. The modern infrastructure and inclusive approach promise to make the YOG 2026 a memorable event for Senegal and the entire continent,” promises Mr. Diaw.
