With eyes set on the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar, Impact Spark has been created, a program designed to promote healthier lifestyles among Senegalese youth. This initiative was officially launched during the Dakar en Jeux festival and aims to engage the country’s teenagers in sports activities that not only encourage physical exercise but also address crucial health issues. The project marks the beginning of a legacy that is intended to last beyond the Youth Olympic Games.
The Impact Spark program, created by the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee in collaboration with the Swiss association SPARK/innov-action from Lausanne, aims to combat the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles and promote active living. Through an inclusive approach, the project addresses health issues such as malaria prevention, addiction education, mental well-being, and oral hygiene, with the intention of inspiring positive changes in the habits of Senegalese youth.
HEALTH AND SPORT
From November 7 to 9, the Impact Spark program conducted a successful pilot during the Dakar en Jeux festival, which brought together 200 young people from local schools to enjoy sports, educational, and cultural activities. During the event, six interactive workshops were held, addressing relevant health topics through games and sports. Participants took part in activities like volleyball, taekwondo, football, and basketball while learning about topics such as violence prevention, sexual health, malaria, and mental health.
Each workshop was designed for young people to not only learn about health but also experience active and fun activities that reinforced the messages of well-being. Medical professionals from both Senegal and Switzerland participated in organizing and running these activities, ensuring an effective and culturally appropriate educational approach for Senegal’s local context.
THE LEGACY
The success of this pilot has laid the foundation for the expansion of Impact Spark over the next two years, with the ambition to reach more youth across Senegal. With the goal of promoting regular physical activity and health education, the program is shaping up to be a key tool for creating a sustainable legacy from the Youth Olympic Games in the host country.
As the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar approach, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 14, the Impact Spark program will be an essential part of the transformation expected in Senegal. In addition to serving as a platform for the world’s top young athletes, the Games aim to leave a lasting mark on Senegalese society, with Impact Spark being a fundamental project to foster a healthier, more active generation prepared for the challenges of the future.
