Anièle Lecordier, a Mauritian volunteer, is set to travel to Dakar, Senegal for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The event, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13, will bring together 2,700 young athletes under 18 from around the world. Lecordier, who has previously volunteered at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is excited to participate in the first Olympic event to be held in Africa. She believes that volunteering is a way to serve a greater cause and be part of a universal language - sports.
Lecordier's passion for sports and the Olympics, combined with her experience as a flight attendant and scout, led her to apply as a volunteer for the YOG. She was selected to be an Assistant to Dignitaries at the 2024 Paris Olympics, an experience she describes as "extraordinary and enriching." This experience motivated her to apply again for the 2026 YOG in Dakar. As a volunteer, Lecordier will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the event, working alongside 6,000 other volunteers, known as "Jambaars" or "engaged citizens."
The 2026 YOG in Dakar will feature 25 sports, 153 medal events, and 10 disciplines aimed at promoting engagement and discovery. The event aims to promote Olympic values, cultural exchange, and the development of young athletes. A unique aspect of this edition is the 100% gender parity and the participation of a refugee team. Lecordier is thrilled to be part of this historic event, which she believes will be a celebration of African culture and a chance to make new connections.
As a volunteer, Lecordier will be responsible for providing support to athletes, spectators, officials, and the organization. She believes that being a good volunteer requires being smiling, available, responsible, respectful, and able to work as part of a team. Lecordier is confident that her skills and experience make her well-suited for this role. She is also excited to be an ambassador for Mauritius, being the only Mauritian selected to volunteer at the event.
The 2026 YOG in Dakar will take place in three main venues: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The event is expected to be a major celebration of sports and culture, with a focus on promoting the values of the Olympic movement. Lecordier is looking forward to experiencing the vibrant atmosphere and making new friends. She believes that this experience will be a chance to grow personally and professionally.
As a "Jambaar," Lecordier will be part of a team of 6,000 volunteers who will work tirelessly to ensure the success of the event. She is proud to be representing Mauritius and is excited to learn about Senegalese culture. The event's slogan, "L'Afrique accueille, Dakar célèbre" (Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates), resonates with Lecordier, who believes that this event is a chance for Africa to shine.
With just a few days to go before her departure, Lecordier is counting down the days until she can embark on this new adventure. She is excited to be part of the Olympic movement and to contribute to the success of the 2026 YOG in Dakar. As she prepares to travel to Senegal, Lecordier is filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for the experiences that lie ahead.
Key points
- Anièle Lecordier, a Mauritian volunteer, heads to Dakar, Senegal for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
