Senegal is set to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (JOJ) in Dakar, with the opening ceremony scheduled for October 31, 2026. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has extended an invitation to all participating delegations and guests, wishing them a warm welcome to Senegal. The President made the remarks through a communiqué issued after a meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Wednesday.
President Faye reiterated his call for national unity and collective mobilization around the success of the JOJ 2026. He expressed his best wishes for the Senegalese delegation, "Team Senegal," which received the national flag from him on October 26, 2026. The event was attended by representatives of the sports movement, and the President emphasized the importance of unity and collective support for the country's success in the games.
The President also engaged the government, state services, and the JOJ Organizing Committee (COJOJ) to ensure the smooth running of the sports and cultural agenda of the JOJ. He recalled the importance of hosting the Dakar Summit on the theme "Sport for Development" on October 31, 2026. Several Heads of State and Government, constitutional bodies, and members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are expected to attend the summit.
According to the President, the JOJ 2026 will take place over two weeks, featuring intense competition and various activities that will put Africa and Senegal at the center of international sports news. He urged the population to extend a warm welcome to the guests during this period. The President's call for unity and mobilization is seen as a move to galvanize national support for the games.
The JOJ 2026 is expected to feature several high-profile participants, including Heads of State and Government, and members of the IOC. The President's emphasis on the importance of the games and the need for collective support has generated significant interest and excitement across the country. The games are seen as an opportunity for Senegal to showcase its capabilities and hospitality to the world.
With the games just days away, preparations are at an advanced stage. The President's call for national unity and collective mobilization is expected to resonate with Senegalese citizens, who are eager to support their country's participation in the games. The JOJ 2026 is expected to be a landmark event for Senegal and Africa, and President Faye's leadership is seen as crucial in ensuring its success.
As the country prepares to host the JOJ 2026, the government, and the COJOJ are working tirelessly to ensure that all logistical arrangements are in place. The President's engagement with various stakeholders has helped to build momentum and excitement around the games. With the opening ceremony just days away, Senegal is set to take center stage in the international sports arena.
Key points
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for national unity and collective mobilization ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (JOJ) in Dakar.
- The JOJ 2026 is set to take place from October 31 to November 14, 2026, and will feature several high-profile participants.
- The President has engaged the government, state services, and the JOJ Organizing Committee to ensure the smooth running of the games.
