Senegal is celebrating the two-year countdown to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) with the third edition of the Dakar En Jeux festival. This event, which will unite local youth through an exciting program of sports, music and cultural activities, will run from November 7-10 in the host communities of Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. Aiming to promote Olympic values and build anticipation for the YOG, Dakar En Jeux is expected to attract thousands of participants.
Over the course of four days, the festival will offer sports demonstrations, concerts and an immersion in Senegalese and African culture, promoting physical activity and highlighting the importance of sport in everyday life. With International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach nearing the end of his term and IOC presidential elections looming, Dakar’s push for the YOG comes at a time of transition and renewal for world Olympism.
A BASKETBALL COMPETITION THAT UNITES AFRICA
One of the central events of Dakar En Jeux will be the 3×3 basketball competition for under-16s, featuring teams from Algeria, Botswana, Gambia, Nigeria and Senegal. The competition will be held at Dakar’s iconic Place de l’Obélisque, transformed into a vibrant outdoor arena that will allow fans to enjoy the young talent of African basketball. Senegalese basketball legends Makhtar Ndiaye and Mame Maty Mbengue will participate as sponsors of the tournament, giving spectators a preview of what they can expect to see at the YOG Dakar 2026.
In addition to the basketball tournament, festival-goers will have the opportunity to try out various sports, such as baseball5, fencing and breaking, as well as traditional martial arts such as judo, karate, taekwondo and wushu, in an inclusive and recreational environment.
PROMOTING HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The 2024 edition of Dakar En Jeux will also feature Impact Spark, a Dakar 2026 initiative in partnership with the Swiss association SPARK/innov-action and the CHUV university hospital, aimed at promoting health and well-being through physical activity. This program seeks to address the growing challenge of sedentary-related diseases by encouraging physical activity in a fun and inclusive environment.
Aimed at young people between the ages of 14 and 18, the Impact Spark initiative will address issues such as oral health, malaria prevention and addictions, using sport and physical activity to promote positive habits and healthy lifestyles.
HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL CULTURE
In addition to sporting activities, the festival will feature a wide variety of cultural events and musical performances at its three venues: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. These venues will celebrate the best of Senegalese and African culture, providing a platform for young artists to showcase their talent and celebrate their heritage, as well as giving young people the opportunity to experience diverse cultural manifestations.
A MILESTONE IN THE COUNTDOWN TO DAKAR 2026
As the countdown to the YOG Dakar 2026 progresses, the Dakar En Jeux festival plays a key role in spreading Olympic values in Senegal and throughout Africa. This year, the event marks an important milestone, with two years to go until the YOG, and its diverse program focuses on engaging local youth, promoting active lifestyles and strengthening the link between sport and culture.
