As the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games approach, Senegal has intensified its efforts to promote Olympic values education among its youth. Supported by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), an ambitious strategy has been launched, involving the National Olympic Committee of Senegal (CNOSS) and other local entities. The goal is to impact 900,000 young people across the country, promoting sports as a tool for personal and social development, leaving a lasting positive legacy beyond the competition.
The project not only focuses on laying the groundwork for the success of Dakar 2026 but also on strengthening communities by promoting a safer, healthier, and more inclusive environment. The initiatives range from training educators and coaches to raising awareness among officials and journalists, ensuring a comprehensive approach to teaching the values of Olympism.
CHILD PROTECTION IN SPORTS
With an eye on the Youth Olympic Games, Senegal has taken steps to ensure that young athletes are protected during their participation in sports events. In this regard, a two-day workshop was held in Dakar in June, focusing on protection against harassment and abuse in sports. Representatives from sports federations, the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee, and CNOSS attended this training, where they received tools to identify and address the risks faced by young athletes.
The training, led by IOC experts, covered topics such as the types of interpersonal violence, the emotional impact of abuse, and best practices for preventing such situations. Additionally, efforts were made to design protection policies that will be implemented before and during the Games, ensuring a safe environment for young athletes.
A TOOL AGAINST CRIME
The collaboration between the IOC, the Ministry of Justice of Senegal, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has resulted in an innovative program called “Sport against Crime” (SC). This project aims to prevent juvenile delinquency by including sports in policies that support at-risk youth. In December 2023, a three-day workshop was held in Dakar, training social educators on how to use sports to foster resilience and empowerment in centers serving vulnerable minors.
The SC program highlights how sports can be a decisive factor in preventing criminal behavior, offering young people tools to build a better future. This initiative reflects a strong commitment by local authorities and international organizations to continue working on social integration through sports.
OLYMPIC VALUES
A key component of the preparation program for Dakar 2026 has been the training of sports journalists in Olympic values. In October, the National Association of Sports Press (ANPS) and CNOSS organized a workshop to educate media professionals on the proper dissemination of the principles of Olympism. The goal is for journalists to play a crucial role in promoting a deeper understanding of these values among the public, contributing to the success of the Games.
Seydina Diagne, CNOSS Secretary General, emphasized the importance of everyone involved “speaking the same language” when it comes to the Olympic spirit. This training not only helped journalists become familiar with Olympic terminology but also enhanced their ability to report more effectively and in alignment with the values that the Games aim to convey.
