DAKAR, SENEGAL – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye toured competition venues on Saturday as Senegal observed the 100-day countdown to holding the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The game-making event will be the first Olympic event to be hosted in Africa.
Upon arrival with the media personnel, President Faye was taken through briefings by the organisers before going around inspecting the venues. Speaking to the media, President Faye reiterated that the project must be carried out in full compliance with all specifications laid down in consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“I am still very strict about the entire project because partial success is not sufficient,” stated President Faye. “When we are assessed favourably on all of our commitments, we will get clearance from the concerned authorities… We said that Africa will host, and we would like Africa to host in the best way possible.”
Games are slated to occur between October 31 and November 13, hosted at venues in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. It is estimated that about 2,700 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will participate in the event.
After the International Olympic Committee confirmed that Dakar 2026 was now in the last delivery phase, the organisers were making sure all their commitments would be fulfilled before the opening ceremony. President Faye praised the commitment of the respective teams and also emphasised the continuous progress reports being provided.
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