Recruitment of volunteers for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games begins, marking a historic milestone: for the first time, Africa will host a Youth Olympic event. Excitement is growing among Senegalese youth and interested people from around the world, who will be able to join the organization of the YOG Dakar 2026 through the Jambaar26 volunteer program, designed to involve more than 6,000 people in various operations during the Games.
This program not only aims to ensure the logistical and operational success of the event, but also to offer participants a unique learning experience, cultural interaction, and personal development. From ceremonies to spectator services, and from transportation to accreditation and media support, volunteers will play a central role in creating a welcoming and professional environment for athletes and international visitors.
A program open to everyone
Jambaar26, whose name comes from the Wolof term “jambaar,” meaning “hero,” reflects the value and responsibility expected from those who join the volunteer effort. Although the program is aimed especially at Senegalese youth, it is open to all people over 18 years old with basic knowledge of French and English who wish to contribute to the success of the Games and experience a major international sporting event up close.
Selected volunteers will participate in training sessions offered by the Organizing Committee and must be available for at least 10 days during the Games. Their duties will include daily operations at competition and non-competition venues, supporting sports events, ceremonies, transportation, accreditation, media services, and spectator experience—building a diverse and committed team aligned with the Olympic values of teamwork and inclusion.
A national tour to inspire and mobilize communities
To promote participation and spread information about the program, the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee will conduct a National Volunteer Tour from 1 to 7 December 2025, traveling through Senegal’s 14 regions. The initiative will allow potential volunteers to learn about roles, requirements, benefits, and registration processes, as well as generate enthusiasm around the Games.
The tour will include stops in cities such as Thiès, Fatick, Kédougou, Kaolack, Louga, Kolda, Kaffrine, Sédhiou, Saint-Louis, Matam, Tambacounda, and Ziguinchor, culminating in a final event in Dakar on 14 December. This tour seeks to build a motivated and diverse volunteer community that represents all regions of the country and embodies the values of solidarity, inclusion, and commitment—essential for the success of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will be held from 31 October to 13 November in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
