The FIVB Empowerment Program is making a significant impact on beach volleyball in Senegal. With the support of this initiative and the collaboration between coaches, players, and officials, the African nation is strengthening its sports foundation with a focus on the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. The combination of strategic investment and increased involvement of experts has led to the development of a new generation of athletes with growing competitive levels.

Since 2017, the FIVB has allocated CHF 366,500 to the development of volleyball in the country, concentrating its efforts on beach volleyball in recent years. The arrival of French coach François Winograd in 2022 has been crucial in structuring a long-term development plan. His work has extended beyond team preparation, as he has also collaborated with the Senegalese Volleyball Federation (FSVB) to organize tournaments and training camps, which are essential for the growth of beach volleyball in the country.

FOCUS ON DAKAR 2026

The impact of this strategy is already reflected in the sports results. The women’s beach volleyball team won silver and bronze at the CAVB Zone II Championships in 2022 and 2023, showing continuous improvement in their performance. Additionally, both national teams qualified for the CAVB 2024 Continental Beach Volleyball Cup, strengthening their presence in Africa’s elite.

The progress is also evident in local and international competitions, with key victories in both Dakar and Freetown. Furthermore, the youth teams reached significant milestones in multi-sport events, finishing fifth at the African Games and seventh at the African Nations Championship. With an increasingly structured approach and the support of the FIVB, Senegal is redefining its path in beach volleyball and establishing itself as a strong contender for Dakar 2026 and beyond.