The Comité d'organisation des Jeux olympiques de la Jeunesse (COJOJ) Dakar 2026, in partnership with the United Nations system, ONU/Femmes, and the Senegalese military, has launched a training program for 200 volunteers in leadership and Olympic values. The program, which began on September 29, aims to equip the volunteers with the necessary skills to effectively serve as relays and guides during the 2026 Youth Olympics. The training is taking place at the Capitaine Mbaye Diagne tactical training center in Thiès, Senegal.
The COJOJ has selected 6,000 volunteers to support the organization of the 2026 Youth Olympics. Of these, 200 were chosen to undergo an intensive three-day training program in leadership and Olympic values. These volunteers will serve as "têtes de pont" or heads of teams, responsible for guiding and supporting their colleagues during the event. The training program is designed to prepare the volunteers for their roles and ensure a successful and well-organized event.
According to Ibrahima Wade, the General Coordinator of the COJOJ, the training program is a crucial part of the preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympics. The program aims to identify the levels of responsibility among the volunteers, provide necessary training, and share the values of the Olympic movement. Wade emphasized that the volunteers will play a critical role in communicating the values of the Olympic movement to their teams and ensuring a positive experience for spectators, officials, and athletes.
The 200 trained volunteers will be responsible for accompanying, guiding, and advising spectators, officials, technical agents, and athletes during the event. They will also serve as relays, listening to complaints and providing support as needed. The COJOJ hopes that the trained volunteers will be able to effectively transmit the values of the Olympic movement to their teams and contribute to a successful event.
The partnership between the COJOJ, the United Nations system, ONU/Femmes, and the Senegalese military reflects the collaborative effort to ensure a successful and well-organized event. The training program is a significant step in preparing the volunteers for their roles and ensuring that the 2026 Youth Olympics are a memorable and impactful experience for all participants.
The COJOJ's efforts to engage and train volunteers are critical to the success of the 2026 Youth Olympics. The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators, officials, and athletes from around the world, and the volunteers will play a vital role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. The training program is a testament to the COJOJ's commitment to delivering a world-class event.
The 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, are expected to be a major event, showcasing the best of African and international sports talent. The COJOJ's focus on volunteer training and development is a key aspect of the event's preparations, ensuring that the volunteers are equipped to provide exceptional support and service to all participants.
Key points
- The COJOJ has selected 6,000 volunteers to support the organization of the 2026 Youth Olympics, with 200 undergoing an intensive training program in leadership and Olympic values.
