ECOWAS Opens Olympic Village in Dakar for 2026 Youth Games

The ECOWAS Commission has launched an Olympic Village in Dakar, Senegal, for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The village operates under the slogan "Play Without Borders." This initiative is part of ECOWAS's efforts to engage with West African youth and promote regional integration. The village is run by young members of ECOWAS Clubs and volunteers mobilized through the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Centre.

The Olympic Village serves as a platform for dialogue and mobilization, supported by a partnership with Senegal's national Olympic committee. ECOWAS has deployed regional volunteers at Games venues to ensure the success of the event. The village aims to introduce visitors to ECOWAS's programs and opportunities through interactive activities, games, quizzes, and discussions. This approach enables young people to discover ECOWAS's missions, programs, and achievements.

Young facilitators at the site play a crucial role in promoting ECOWAS's initiatives and opportunities. They highlight programs supporting youth, employment, entrepreneurship, education, transport, volunteering, and human development. Visitors are informed about opportunities available to young people in ECOWAS member states. The village provides a setting for young participants to engage with ECOWAS's ideals and become ambassadors for West African integration.

ECOWAS views young people as a vital force for regional integration, social cohesion, and sustainable development in West Africa. The Commission emphasizes the importance of empowering young people to become leaders and agents of change. The Olympic Village is part of ECOWAS's ongoing commitment to youth and the success of the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games on the African continent.

The partnership with the Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSS) is a key aspect of ECOWAS's involvement in the Games. ECOWAS is also providing capacity-building for young people and deploying volunteers from member states at Games venues. This collaborative approach aims to promote a sense of regional unity and shared responsibility among young people.

The ECOWAS stand in Dakar serves as a hub for meeting, dialogue, and mobilization. The Commission's presence at the Games reflects its dedication to youth and regional integration. By engaging with young people, ECOWAS aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among them, encouraging them to become active participants in the regional integration process.

The launch of the Olympic Village in Dakar marks a significant milestone in ECOWAS's efforts to promote youth engagement and regional integration. The village's success will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for future collaborations between ECOWAS and young people in West Africa. The "Play Without Borders" slogan encapsulates the spirit of unity and cooperation that ECOWAS aims to promote among young people.

Key points

• ECOWAS opens Olympic Village in Dakar for 2026 Youth Olympic Games under "Play Without Borders" slogan.