As the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 opening ceremony approaches, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the need for sustainable sports development. Speaking at the Sport and Sustainable Development Summit in Dakar on October 31, Faye called for investments in sports to be made with a long-term perspective. He stressed that the YOG should not only be an international competition but also a starting point for a durable transformation of the sports sector.
President Faye highlighted the importance of a comprehensive sports policy that covers the entire chain, from school and university sports to high-level competition, amateur practice, training, coaching, and infrastructure financing. He believes that meeting these conditions will foster the emergence of talents, attract investment, and create a sports economy. The president also emphasized the need to preserve the facilities built or renovated for the Games, ensuring they continue to benefit young people and populations after the competition.
Faye underlined the potential economic benefits of the sports industry, including job creation and wealth generation. He assured that the state will mobilize the country's forces and monitor the summit's conclusions to preserve the gains of this edition. The president also addressed the social and international dimensions of sports, denouncing conflicts, terrorism, human rights violations, racism, and economic inequalities. He called for combating discrimination in sports competitions and promoting a more inclusive international order based on peace, dialogue, and cooperation.
The Senegalese president highlighted his country's commitment to a durable legacy of the Games, with a focus on youth and significant investments in the sports sector, particularly infrastructure and talent development. He recalled Senegal's engagement in favor of the Olympic truce and emphasized the role of sports in promoting solidarity and understanding between nations. Faye believes that lasting peace and stability are essential for sustainable investment in development, including the exploitation of opportunities in the sports ecosystem.
The Sport and Sustainable Development Summit, organized in the aftermath of the first summit held in Paris in 2024, aims to strengthen the links between sports and sustainable development policies in Africa. The event gathered several heads of state and government, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and foreign delegations. President Faye's call for sustainable sports development resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to sports that benefits both the youth and the economy.
The Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 are expected to contribute to the development of a sports economy and promote a culture of peace and solidarity. With a focus on sustainability, the Games aim to leave a lasting legacy in Senegal and the wider African region. By investing in sports infrastructure and development, the Senegalese government hopes to create a thriving sports sector that benefits both the youth and the economy.
As the YOG Dakar 2026 draw near, President Faye's message of sustainable sports development has set the tone for the event. With a focus on legacy, economic development, and social responsibility, the Games are poised to make a positive impact on Senegal and the wider region. The success of the YOG will depend on the effective implementation of the strategies and policies discussed at the Sport and Sustainable Development Summit.
Key points
- President Faye calls for sustainable sports development ahead of the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026.
- The Senegalese government aims to create a thriving sports sector that benefits both the youth and the economy.
- The Sport and Sustainable Development Summit aims to strengthen the links between sports and sustainable development policies in Africa.
