The Senegalese Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced a solidarity ticketing system for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar. The initiative aims to promote popular mobilization among young people from the country's 14 regions. In a circular dated September 28, 2026, Minister Djireye Clotilde COLY instructed regional directors of youth and sports, as well as regional governors, to implement the program. The YOG will feature various events, including futsal, badminton, and beach volleyball.
A total of 5,000 free tickets will be allocated for the opening ceremony at the Abdoulaye WADE Stadium. The tickets will be distributed among young people from the Dakar and Thiès regions, who will receive 2,500 tickets, and the remaining 2,500 tickets will be shared among the other 12 regions. To facilitate transportation, a shuttle system will be set up via Kaolack and Thiès. This initiative aims to ensure that young people from all regions can participate in the event.
In addition to the opening ceremony, 9,025 spectator seats will be available on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at seven competition sites. The events will include futsal, badminton, and 3x3 basketball at the Tour de l'Œuf and Corniche complexes in Dakar. Other competitions will take place in Diamniadio, including archery and parkour, while Saly will host beach sports such as triathlon, beach volleyball, and sailing.
The free tickets will include a range of services, such as transportation, snacks, tickets, and caps. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has partnered with the Dakar Urban Transport Authority (CETUD) to provide transportation via BRT and TER. Regional directors have been asked to submit a list of young people available to participate by October 1, 2026, including their names, surnames, and places of origin.
The solidarity ticketing system aims to ensure broad participation of young people in this historic event, which is the first Olympic Games to be held on African soil. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is working to promote youth mobilization and engagement in the YOG. By providing free tickets and services, the government hopes to encourage young people to take part in the event.
The 2026 Youth Olympics will take place in Dakar, Saly, and Diamniadio. The events will feature a range of sports, including futsal, badminton, and beach volleyball. The competition sites will be equipped with necessary facilities to ensure a successful event. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is working closely with regional authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the event.
According to Khadydja NDIAYE, the Ministry's initiative aims to promote youth participation and engagement in the YOG. The free ticketing system is part of a broader effort to encourage young people to take part in the event. The 2026 Youth Olympics are expected to be a major milestone in Senegal's sports history.
Key points
- The Senegalese government offers 5,000 free tickets for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Youth Olympics.
- A total of 9,025 spectator seats will be available for the competitions.
- The free tickets include transportation, snacks, tickets, and caps.
