The Dakar 2026 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (COJOJ) is committed to hosting a successful event, but also to leaving a lasting legacy. The committee's goal is to ensure that the games, the first to be held in Africa, have a lasting impact on the continent. This legacy will go beyond the sports aspect, focusing on youth participation and skills development. The COJOJ has launched several initiatives to achieve this goal.
One of these initiatives is the Dakar Learning Academy, a program designed to train over 400 young people in skills related to organizing sports events. This program is a key part of the COJOJ's strategy to leave a lasting legacy. According to Ibrahima Wade, the committee's general coordinator, the goal is to equip young people with skills that can be applied in various sectors. The program is a partnership between the COJOJ and several organizations.
The COJOJ has also taken steps to minimize the environmental impact of the games. A sustainability department has been set up to ensure that the games contribute to the greening of Dakar. The committee has also taken social responsibility seriously, compensating populations affected by the construction of the Iba Mar Diop stadium in the Medina. This approach is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the games benefit local communities.
In addition to these initiatives, the COJOJ has invested in infrastructure development. Eleven community infrastructure projects have been built in Dakar and its suburbs, including a leather goods market. The committee has also rehabilitated roads in several strategic neighborhoods, such as the Medina and Point E. These projects aim to improve the quality of life for local residents and provide a lasting legacy.
The COJOJ is also committed to transferring expertise to young Senegalese and African people. The committee's staff includes skills acquired during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Abidjan. The goal is to see Senegalese people integrated into the organizing committees of future international events, such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This approach will enable young people to acquire skills that can be applied in various sectors.
The COJOJ's strategy is to position young Senegalese and African people on the global stage, enabling them to compete with their peers from other continents. The committee believes that the experience acquired during the Dakar 2026 games will be a valuable asset for young people. The goal is to demonstrate that Africa can host successful international events and that its young people have the skills and expertise needed to succeed.
The Dakar 2026 games are an opportunity for Senegal and Africa to showcase their capabilities and expertise. The COJOJ's commitment to leaving a lasting legacy is a key aspect of this strategy. The games will be a milestone event for the continent, demonstrating its ability to host world-class events. The COJOJ's initiatives will ensure that the games have a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
Key points
- The Dakar 2026 Olympic Games aim to leave a lasting legacy beyond sports, focusing on youth participation and skills development.
- The COJOJ has launched several initiatives, including the Dakar Learning Academy, to achieve this goal.
- The committee is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of the games and ensuring that they benefit local communities.
