The city of Saly in Senegal recently hosted the "Gatandou JOJ" event, which brought together the youth and local populations to celebrate sports, culture, and Olympic values. This event is part of the preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (JOJ) in Dakar. Ibrahima Wade, the General Coordinator of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee, attended the event and delivered a message to the youth of Saly. He emphasized that the 2026 Games are an opportunity for them to engage, learn, and promote the values of excellence, friendship, respect, and solidarity.
Ibrahima Wade encouraged the youth to take ownership of the 2026 Games and make them a historic event that will have a lasting impact on Senegal and its people. He stressed that the event is not just about sports, but also about promoting the values of the Olympic movement and leaving a legacy that will benefit future generations. The event in Saly featured various activities, including demonstrations of MMA, traditional Senegalese sports like "bakou," and other popular animations.
Bacary Sarr, the Minister of Communication and Relations with Institutions, also attended the event and praised the mobilization of the youth in Saly. He noted that the "Gatandou JOJ" event sends a strong message to Senegal, Africa, and the world. The Minister emphasized that the 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be a historic event, as it will be the first time the Games are held on African soil. He also highlighted the importance of the event in promoting Senegal's image and values.
The "Gatandou JOJ" event also provided an opportunity for young people from Saly to receive training from the National Police Directorate to participate as volunteers in the 2026 Games. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to engage the youth and promote a sense of responsibility and ownership among them. Minister Bacary Sarr emphasized the crucial role that the youth will play in the success of the 2026 Games.
Minister Bacary Sarr addressed the youth directly, emphasizing their importance as the future of Senegal. He noted that the country's youth population is a significant asset and that their engagement, creativity, and sense of responsibility are essential for the country's development. The Minister encouraged the youth to take ownership of the 2026 Games and to be the first ambassadors of the event.
The event in Saly is part of a series of initiatives that will take place in the coming weeks, including the torch relay for the 2026 Games. The government is working to ensure that Senegal is ready to host the event and to provide a warm welcome to the delegations and visitors who will attend. The 2026 Youth Olympic Games are expected to be a major event that will promote Senegal's image and values.
The "Gatandou JOJ" event in Saly was well-received, with many praising the organization, diversity of activities, and strong involvement of the youth. The event demonstrated the country's commitment to engaging its youth and promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility among them. As the 2026 Games approach, Senegal is working to ensure that the event is a success and leaves a lasting legacy.
Key points
- Ibrahima Wade calls on Senegal's youth to make Dakar 2026 a landmark event that leaves a lasting legacy.
