Latest news with #Dakar2026
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Zawya
Olympic Solidarity and Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) support Dakar 2026 Learning Academy opportunities for African National Olympic Committees (NOCs)
Talent from territories from all African National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will have the opportunity to join the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) through the Learning Academy ( This will be made possible thanks to the support of Olympic Solidarity and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). This major new opportunity, aimed at ensuring broad representation and greater capacity-building across the continent, was announced to the IOC ( Executive Board (EB) this week by Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange. Learning Academy opens doors for African NOCs at Dakar 2026 Recognising the potential impact of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy NOC programme on the next generation of sports professionals in Africa, and in line with Olympic Solidarity's objective to strengthen NOC capacities, Olympic Solidarity and ANOCA will jointly contribute funding for Learning Academy scholarships. These scholarships will contribute towards travel and accommodation costs, ensuring broad engagement from African NOCs and potential participants. Details on the application process will be shared with NOCs after the summer, with selected participants expected to begin the Learning Academy in early 2026 before starting their roles within the YOGOC. The Learning Academy is designed to give promising young professionals from across Africa hands-on experience in sports management and event delivery. Each African NOC will be invited to nominate young professionals to join the Learning Academy. Selected participants will receive intensive two-week training in Dakar and then take up roles within the Organising Committee, helping to strengthen NOCs and building capacity across the continent. Over the next 16 months, a total of up to 400 young professionals, including the 53 candidates selected via the African NOCs, will be trained and integrated into the YOGOC – the first 41 participants have already taken up their roles. Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange said: 'Through the Learning Academy, we are creating a lasting legacy for the Olympic Movement, and one that could serve as a model for future host cities of the Youth Olympic Games or the Olympic Games, beginning here in Dakar.' The YOG Dakar 2026 ( will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
500 Days to Dakar 2026: Youth Charter Launches Global Call 2 Action for Sport, Youth and Peace
With 500 days to go until the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the Youth Charter ( has launched a Global Call 2 Action to establish a bold new legacy vision for Africa and the world through sport, education, and community empowerment. This milestone moment comes as the Olympic Movement celebrates the historic appointment of Kirsty Coventry, the first female and African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Youth Charter is calling on the IOC, African Union (AU), and global stakeholders to ensure the Dakar Games leave a lasting impact beyond the sporting arena by investing in young people and their communities. 'Dakar 2026 must be more than a celebration, it must be a catalyst for lasting change,' said Youth Charter Founder and Chair, Geoff Thompson. 'We are calling on global institutions, governments, and civil society to back a pan-African legacy of safe spaces, opportunity, and hope for our youth.' Community Campus Legacy Proposal At the heart of the Youth Charter's proposal is the Community Campus model—a place-based, people-led ecosystem of support that integrates education, sport, culture, enterprise and health. The Youth Charter is proposing the establishment of: 26 Community Campuses across Africa, beginning in Senegal, A continent-wide network of 100 trained Social Coaches, A digital engagement platform to link youth voices to decision-makers, A tri-partite legacy partnership between the IOC, AU, and Youth Charter. The proposal aligns with the IOC's Olympism365 strategy, the AU's Agenda 2063, and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Voices from the Movement Young people and communities from Cheetham Hill in Manchester to Soweto in South Africa have already begun mobilising through Youth Charter-supported consultations, highlighting an urgent need for action in response to rising violence, inequality and disconnection from opportunity. The press release follows a formal submission made by the Youth Charter to the IOC and AU, requesting urgent steps to embed youth-led, community-driven legacy planning into Dakar 2026 and future Olympic movements. 'We must move from events to legacies, from promises to places, where young people are engaged, equipped and empowered with hope and social, cultural and economic opportunities,' said Geoff Thompson. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #International Olympic Committee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretariat #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Zawya
500 days to Dakar 2026: a bold celebration of youth, sport and African identity
Today marks 500 days to go until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 – the first Olympic event to take place on African soil. To mark the milestone, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) is rolling out a series of cultural and community-led initiatives across Senegal, blending sport, art and youth engagement in a uniquely local celebration of global spirit. A love letter to Africa: Dakar 2026 official video launched At the heart of the 500-days-to-go celebration is the release of the official Dakar 2026 promotional video – a powerful piece of storytelling and poetic imagery that sets the tone for what lies ahead. The video is a tribute to the power of sport, the strength of youth and the diversity of Africa. Narrated with emotional depth and featuring a special appearance by Senegalese Olympic silver medallist Amadou Dia Ba (400m hurdles, Seoul 1988), the film also showcases young athletes from across Senegal and teases the 35 sports featured on the YOG programme. It offers a vibrant look at the host sites – Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly – and reflects the values that will define these historic Games. Street art connects Games to communities To bring the Olympic spirit into public spaces, a national graffiti campaign will see 10 young artists create murals in Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly, Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis. Each artwork will weave the Dakar 2026 logo and motto – 'Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates' – into vivid expressions of local identity and pride. This initiative will bring the Games into the streets and aims to connect directly with Senegalese youth. Olympic Day to shine a spotlight on youth and sport Looking ahead, the Dakar 2026 celebrations will continue on Olympic Day, 23 June, with a half-day event bringing together more than 1,000 schoolchildren in Dakar. The programme will feature sports demonstrations across 12 disciplines, a group fitness session and interactive educational spaces celebrating the Olympic values. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dakar 2026 Learning Academy Officially Launches With First Cohort of Young Professionals
NORTHAMPTON, MA / / June 6, 2025 / International Olympic Committee news The Dakar 2026 Learning Academy, a new flagship legacy initiative designed to recruit and train over 400 young professionals in Games delivery, was officially launched on Wednesday. The inauguration ceremony was held as part of the seventh visit of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission (CoCom) to Senegal. The training programme marks a key step in building local expertise ahead of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and ensuring a strong human legacy from the first Olympic sports event on African soil. As part of the structured programme, participants receive 10 days of training delivered by the IOC, followed by five days of soft-skills development. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, they gain essential knowledge in Games planning, sports and event operations, and functional area responsibilities. This equips them with the skills to support the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC), while helping to build long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Once their training is complete, participants will join the YOGOC, applying their skills directly to the coordination and delivery of the Youth Olympic Games. In total, more than 400 young professionals will be trained through nine cohorts between now and September 2026. Over half of the Dakar 2026 workforce is expected to be composed of Learning Academy alumni, demonstrating the central role this initiative is playing in delivering the Games. The first cohort of 41 young professionals began their training in late April. They were selected from a pool of 1,800 applicants through a rigorous recruitment process. During their visit, the Coordination Commission members observed the first cohort in training at the Learning Academy, where the participants' enthusiasm and engagement were clearly on display. The delegation later joined the uplifting launch ceremony, which was marked by heartfelt messages, infectious enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose from the participants. The initiative reflects the Organising Committee's strong focus on people management and long-term legacy. It also supports broader efforts to embed youth empowerment at the heart of Dakar 2026. IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry congratulated the trainees and praised the impact of the initiative and the spirit of the first cohort. "Next year, when we host the Youth Olympic Games, you are going to show the world what it is to be African, to feel African and to have that experience. You are ambassadors for the young generation of what the sporting movement can be, and the legacy the Youth Olympic Games can leave behind."- Kirsty Coventry, IOC President-elect Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission, said: "On behalf of the entire Commission, we're truly excited and looking forward to engaging with you. We're confident in your ability to deliver. Together, we will bring these Games to life and celebrate the Youth Olympic Games in a uniquely African way. I wish you all the best as you begin working across different functional areas in the coming weeks. We're looking forward to your success and the success of the Games." Earlier during the CoCom meeting, Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, emphasised the Academy's role in preparing the next generation of event professionals: "At the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy, participants will receive appropriate support through tailored training modules and an environment where sport and Olympism will contribute to their professional development, based around the values of friendship, excellence and respect. These young recruits will go on to play an active role in delivering the first Youth Olympic Games in Africa." The Learning Academy is part of a broader suite of legacy initiatives led by the Organising Committee to ensure that Dakar 2026 leaves a lasting impact on young people across Senegal and the African continent. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Olympic Committee on Contact Info:Spokesperson: International Olympic CommitteeWebsite: info@ SOURCE: International Olympic Committee View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Dakar 2026 Advances Venue and Legacy Plans As Youth Olympic Games Preparations Intensify
International Olympic Committee news With less than a year and a half until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 begin, the seventh meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s Coordination Commission marked another key milestone in Games planning. The two-day hybrid meeting brought together key stakeholders to review the latest progress in Dakar 2026 preparations. Newly appointed Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry and an IOC delegation participated on-site in Dakar, while other Commission members joined remotely – including IOC Vice-President Nawal El Moutawakel, who has played a pivotal role in the leadership and direction of the Commission from its early stages and has recently been named Vice-Chair. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to delivering Africa's first Olympic sporting event, with a strong focus on operational success and a lasting legacy for the Senegalese youth. The meeting opened with a video message from IOC President Thomas Bach, who praised the progress made by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) and underlined the unique significance of the first Olympic sporting event on African soil. 'We all know that the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will be truly special,' he said. 'Dakar 2026 will be a moment for Africa to shine on the global stage. Dakar 2026 will welcome young athletes from around the world to celebrate sport, culture and the legendary Senegalese spirit of teranga.' Learning Academy launches first cohort A central highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy – a flagship initiative designed to train and recruit over 400 young professionals aged 21 to 35 in the lead-up to the Games. This structured programme equips participants with essential skills in Games management and operations, enabling them to support the Organising Committee, while building long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Venue master plan finalised as works progress The Coordination Commission welcomed the finalisation of the Dakar 2026 venue master plan, which now includes confirmation of the road cycling route. The race will start and finish along Dakar's scenic Corniche Ouest, providing a vivid and iconic backdrop. Significant construction progress has also been reported across key venues, enhancing overall venue readiness. Comprehensive planning across Games operations In addition to people management, legacy and venues, the Coordination Commission reviewed progress across all functional areas, including technology, ticketing, Games services, marketing, security, athlete education and youth engagement. Progress has been made since the last Commission meeting in November 2024. The Commission emphasised the importance of transitioning towards a more operational and delivery-focused approach, with the YOGOC evolving into its Games-time structure. Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026, said: 'With less than 18 months to go, we are entering the final stretch. These past two days have been incredibly valuable, filled with constructive exchanges that have helped us build a clear picture of where we stand. The momentum that's been built gives us confidence as we move forward towards delivering extraordinary Games for Africa.' Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, also reflected on the progress made and the strengthened commitment from all stakeholders: 'By the end of this 7th meeting, the Coordination Commission, led by its new Chair, Humphrey Kayange, had seen and welcomed the considerable progress made in the various areas related to the YOG Dakar 2026 preparations, and observed that the stage is set for memorable YOG on African soil. It was heartening to hear IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry's re-affirmed commitment to supporting our project. This is an additional reason for the OCOG teams and all the national stakeholders to feel motivated and engaged. The spirit of co-creation between the IOC and Dakar 2026 that has been present so far is evident once again.' Corniche de Dakar to host Espace Let's Move Plans were also shared for the Corniche de Dakar, which will serve as the main hub for celebration and youth engagement during Dakar 2026. This iconic coastal stretch will host Espace Let's Move, a vibrant zone featuring engagement sports alongside a comprehensive programme of cultural, educational and interactive activities. Organised in partnership with national federations and local stakeholders, the area will offer sports demonstrations, health and nutrition workshops and activations promoting the Olympic values. Live entertainment and local food stalls will help create an inclusive, festival-like atmosphere that welcomes young people and families into the heart of the Games experience. Dakar en Jeux 2025 to celebrate youth, sport and Olympic values Looking ahead, the Dakar en Jeux Festival will return later this year for its fourth and final edition before the YOG. Taking place from 3 to 9 November 2025, the festival will once again bring together sport, culture, education and health in a dynamic week-long celebration that reflects the spirit and values of the Games. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes aged up to 17 years. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). ### The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world. ### For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:Tel: +41 21 621 6000, email: [email protected], or visit our web site at Broadcast quality footage The IOC Newsroom: Videos YouTube: Photos For an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr. To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Content Licensing Unit at: [email protected]. Social media For up-to-the-minute information on the IOC and regular updates, please follow us on X and YouTube. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from International Olympic Committee
