Latest news with #Dakar2026
Associated Press
3 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Dakar 2026 Advances Venue and Legacy Plans As Youth Olympic Games Preparations Intensify
International Olympic Committee news With less than a year and a half until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 begin, the seventh meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s Coordination Commission marked another key milestone in Games planning. The two-day hybrid meeting brought together key stakeholders to review the latest progress in Dakar 2026 preparations. Newly appointed Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry and an IOC delegation participated on-site in Dakar, while other Commission members joined remotely – including IOC Vice-President Nawal El Moutawakel, who has played a pivotal role in the leadership and direction of the Commission from its early stages and has recently been named Vice-Chair. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to delivering Africa's first Olympic sporting event, with a strong focus on operational success and a lasting legacy for the Senegalese youth. The meeting opened with a video message from IOC President Thomas Bach, who praised the progress made by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) and underlined the unique significance of the first Olympic sporting event on African soil. 'We all know that the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will be truly special,' he said. 'Dakar 2026 will be a moment for Africa to shine on the global stage. Dakar 2026 will welcome young athletes from around the world to celebrate sport, culture and the legendary Senegalese spirit of teranga.' Learning Academy launches first cohort A central highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy – a flagship initiative designed to train and recruit over 400 young professionals aged 21 to 35 in the lead-up to the Games. This structured programme equips participants with essential skills in Games management and operations, enabling them to support the Organising Committee, while building long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Venue master plan finalised as works progress The Coordination Commission welcomed the finalisation of the Dakar 2026 venue master plan, which now includes confirmation of the road cycling route. The race will start and finish along Dakar's scenic Corniche Ouest, providing a vivid and iconic backdrop. Significant construction progress has also been reported across key venues, enhancing overall venue readiness. Comprehensive planning across Games operations In addition to people management, legacy and venues, the Coordination Commission reviewed progress across all functional areas, including technology, ticketing, Games services, marketing, security, athlete education and youth engagement. Progress has been made since the last Commission meeting in November 2024. The Commission emphasised the importance of transitioning towards a more operational and delivery-focused approach, with the YOGOC evolving into its Games-time structure. Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026, said: 'With less than 18 months to go, we are entering the final stretch. These past two days have been incredibly valuable, filled with constructive exchanges that have helped us build a clear picture of where we stand. The momentum that's been built gives us confidence as we move forward towards delivering extraordinary Games for Africa.' Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, also reflected on the progress made and the strengthened commitment from all stakeholders: 'By the end of this 7th meeting, the Coordination Commission, led by its new Chair, Humphrey Kayange, had seen and welcomed the considerable progress made in the various areas related to the YOG Dakar 2026 preparations, and observed that the stage is set for memorable YOG on African soil. It was heartening to hear IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry's re-affirmed commitment to supporting our project. This is an additional reason for the OCOG teams and all the national stakeholders to feel motivated and engaged. The spirit of co-creation between the IOC and Dakar 2026 that has been present so far is evident once again.' Corniche de Dakar to host Espace Let's Move Plans were also shared for the Corniche de Dakar, which will serve as the main hub for celebration and youth engagement during Dakar 2026. This iconic coastal stretch will host Espace Let's Move, a vibrant zone featuring engagement sports alongside a comprehensive programme of cultural, educational and interactive activities. Organised in partnership with national federations and local stakeholders, the area will offer sports demonstrations, health and nutrition workshops and activations promoting the Olympic values. Live entertainment and local food stalls will help create an inclusive, festival-like atmosphere that welcomes young people and families into the heart of the Games experience. Dakar en Jeux 2025 to celebrate youth, sport and Olympic values Looking ahead, the Dakar en Jeux Festival will return later this year for its fourth and final edition before the YOG. Taking place from 3 to 9 November 2025, the festival will once again bring together sport, culture, education and health in a dynamic week-long celebration that reflects the spirit and values of the Games. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes aged up to 17 years. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). ### The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world. ### For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team:Tel: +41 21 621 6000, email: [email protected], or visit our web site at Broadcast quality footage The IOC Newsroom: Videos YouTube: Photos For an extensive selection of photos available shortly after each event, please follow us on Flickr. To request archive photos and footage, please contact our Content Licensing Unit at: [email protected]. Social media For up-to-the-minute information on the IOC and regular updates, please follow us on X and YouTube. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from International Olympic Committee
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Sara Price announced as third 2026 Dakar Defender works driver
Defender, the off-road subsidiary of JLR, has announced American rally driver, motocross champion and four-time Dakar stage-winner Sara Price for its Dakar 2026 driver line-up. The Californian joins Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel and Rokas Baciuška in a trio of competition-spec Defender D7X-R rally cars based on the V8-powered Defender Octa in the 'Stock' category for production-based cars. Price's racing experience extends from national championships and as an X-Games medallist. She has succeeded in various classes, including winning the Baja Series SCORE International in Trophy Truck and driving for Chip Ganassi Racing in the all-electric rallying championship Extreme E, becoming the team's first female race winner. In 2024 Price made her Dakar Rally debut in the SSV class, becoming the first American woman and third woman to win a Dakar Rally stage. She went on to finish fourth overall in the rally and won the title for best rookie. Price now joins Defender as the brand embarks on its inaugural year competing in the Dakar Rally as a works entry. 'To join the works Defender team in its competitive debut at the Dakar Rally will be a huge honour and I cannot wait to get started with the team. The Dakar Rally is the pinnacle of rally-raid competition and I'm proud to have competed in this competition before,' said Price.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Zawya
Dakar 2026 Advances Venue and Legacy Plans as Youth Olympic Games Preparations Intensify
With less than a year and a half until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 ( begin, the seventh meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s ( Coordination Commission marked another key milestone in Games planning. The two-day hybrid meeting brought together key stakeholders to review the latest progress in Dakar 2026 preparations. Newly appointed Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange ( IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry ( and an IOC delegation participated on-site in Dakar, while other Commission members joined remotely – including IOC Vice-President Nawal El Moutawakel, who has played a pivotal role in the leadership and direction of the Commission from its early stages and has recently been named Vice-Chair. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to delivering Africa's first Olympic sporting event, with a strong focus on operational success and a lasting legacy for the Senegalese youth. The meeting opened with a video message from IOC President Thomas Bach, who praised the progress made by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) and underlined the unique significance of the first Olympic sporting event on African soil. 'We all know that the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will be truly special,' he said. 'Dakar 2026 will be a moment for Africa to shine on the global stage. Dakar 2026 will welcome young athletes from around the world to celebrate sport, culture and the legendary Senegalese spirit of teranga.' Learning Academy launches first cohort A central highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy ( – a flagship initiative designed to train and recruit over 400 young professionals aged 21 to 35 in the lead-up to the Games. This structured programme equips participants with essential skills in Games management and operations, enabling them to support the Organising Committee, while building long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Venue master plan finalised as works progress The Coordination Commission welcomed the finalisation of the Dakar 2026 venue master plan, which now includes confirmation of the road cycling route. The race will start and finish along Dakar's scenic Corniche Ouest, providing a vivid and iconic backdrop. Significant construction progress has also been reported across key venues, enhancing overall venue readiness. Comprehensive planning across Games operations In addition to people management, legacy and venues, the Coordination Commission reviewed progress across all functional areas, including technology, ticketing, Games services, marketing, security, athlete education and youth engagement. Progress has been made since the last Commission meeting in November 2024. The Commission emphasised the importance of transitioning towards a more operational and delivery-focused approach, with the YOGOC evolving into its Games-time structure. Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026, said: 'With less than 18 months to go, we are entering the final stretch. These past two days have been incredibly valuable, filled with constructive exchanges that have helped us build a clear picture of where we stand. The momentum that's been built gives us confidence as we move forward towards delivering extraordinary Games for Africa.' Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, also reflected on the progress made and the strengthened commitment from all stakeholders: 'By the end of this 7th meeting, the Coordination Commission, led by its new Chair, Humphrey Kayange, had seen and welcomed the considerable progress made in the various areas related to the YOG Dakar 2026 preparations, and observed that the stage is set for memorable YOG on African soil. It was heartening to hear IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry's re-affirmed commitment to supporting our project. This is an additional reason for the OCOG teams and all the national stakeholders to feel motivated and engaged. The spirit of co-creation between the IOC and Dakar 2026 that has been present so far is evident once again.' Corniche de Dakar to host Espace Let's Move Plans were also shared for the Corniche de Dakar, which will serve as the main hub for celebration and youth engagement during Dakar 2026. This iconic coastal stretch will host Espace Let's Move, a vibrant zone featuring engagement sports alongside a comprehensive programme of cultural, educational and interactive activities. Organised in partnership with national federations and local stakeholders, the area will offer sports demonstrations, health and nutrition workshops and activations promoting the Olympic values. Live entertainment and local food stalls will help create an inclusive, festival-like atmosphere that welcomes young people and families into the heart of the Games experience. Dakar en Jeux 2025 to celebrate youth, sport and Olympic values Looking ahead, the Dakar en Jeux Festival will return later this year for its fourth and final edition before the YOG. Taking place from 3 to 9 November 2025, the festival will once again bring together sport, culture, education and health in a dynamic week-long celebration that reflects the spirit and values of the Games. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes aged up to 17 years. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC). About International Olympic Committee: The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Zawya
Dakar 2026 Learning Academy officially launches with first cohort of young professionals
The Dakar 2026 ( Learning Academy, a new flagship legacy initiative designed to recruit and train over 400 young professionals in Games delivery, was officially launched on Wednesday. The inauguration ceremony was held as part of the seventh visit of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s ( Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission (CoCom) to Senegal. The training programme marks a key step in building local expertise ahead of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and ensuring a strong human legacy from the first Olympic sports event on African soil. As part of the structured programme, participants receive 10 days of training delivered by the IOC, followed by five days of soft-skills development. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, they gain essential knowledge in Games planning, sports and event operations, and functional area responsibilities. This equips them with the skills to support the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC), while helping to build long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Once their training is complete, participants will join the YOGOC, applying their skills directly to the coordination and delivery of the Youth Olympic Games. In total, more than 400 young professionals will be trained through nine cohorts between now and September 2026. Over half of the Dakar 2026 workforce is expected to be composed of Learning Academy alumni, demonstrating the central role this initiative is playing in delivering the Games. The first cohort of 41 young professionals began their training in late April. They were selected from a pool of 1,800 applicants through a rigorous recruitment process. During their visit, the Coordination Commission ( members observed the first cohort in training at the Learning Academy, where the participants' enthusiasm and engagement were clearly on display. The delegation later joined the uplifting launch ceremony, which was marked by heartfelt messages, infectious enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose from the participants. The initiative reflects the Organising Committee's strong focus on people management and long-term legacy. It also supports broader efforts to embed youth empowerment at the heart of Dakar 2026. IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry ( congratulated the trainees and praised the impact of the initiative and the spirit of the first cohort. 'Next year, when we host the Youth Olympic Games, you are going to show the world what it is to be African, to feel African and to have that experience. You are ambassadors for the young generation of what the sporting movement can be, and the legacy the Youth Olympic Games can leave behind.' Humphrey Kayange ( Chair of the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission, said: "On behalf of the entire Commission, we're truly excited and looking forward to engaging with you. We're confident in your ability to deliver. Together, we will bring these Games to life and celebrate the Youth Olympic Games in a uniquely African way. I wish you all the best as you begin working across different functional areas in the coming weeks. We're looking forward to your success and the success of the Games." Earlier during the CoCom meeting, Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, emphasised the Academy's role in preparing the next generation of event professionals: 'At the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy, participants will receive appropriate support through tailored training modules and an environment where sport and Olympism will contribute to their professional development, based around the values of friendship, excellence and respect. These young recruits will go on to play an active role in delivering the first Youth Olympic Games in Africa.' The Learning Academy is part of a broader suite of legacy initiatives led by the Organising Committee to ensure that Dakar 2026 leaves a lasting impact on young people across Senegal and the African continent. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Momentum Builds Towards Historic Dakar 2026 YOG
International Olympic Committee news NORTHAMPTON, MA / / April 23, 2025 / With the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) now less than two years away, Dakar 2026 presented its latest progress report to the 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session. The report highlighted key developments in preparation for the first Olympic sports event on African soil. The report underscored progress in venue construction and refurbishment, workforce development, and the growing momentum of youth engagement initiatives across Senegal. A major highlight was the successful delivery of the third edition of the Dakar en Jeux Festival in November 2024. The celebration of sport, culture and education saw thousands of young people engaged in sporting activities across the three host communities of Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, while also featuring an international U16 3x3 basketball tournament and health workshops for local children. Plans are underway for the next edition in late 2025, which will coincide with the "One Year to Go" milestone and serve as an important testing opportunity for the YOG. The Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) continues to strengthen its workforce by incorporating valuable knowledge from the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where staff members were able to gain first-hand experience in the planning and execution of a major international sports event. The YOGOC is also expanding its team, with recruitment efforts bolstered by the newly launched Learning Academy. This initiative will train up to 400 young professionals, equipping them with essential skills to support the delivery of the Dakar 2026 YOG, while creating a lasting legacy of experienced event organisers in Senegal and across Africa. Infrastructure preparations for the YOG remain on track, with refurbishment work launched at key urban venues in Dakar and construction progressing at the equestrian centre and the Youth Olympic Village in Diamniadio. The completed venue master plan includes seven venues across the three host zones that will accommodate competition sites. Additionally, Dakar 2026 has strengthened its commercial programme, announcing its first domestic sponsorship deal with telecommunications company Sonatel. Excitement for the Games is also growing with the launch of the mascot design process, which saw nearly 500 schoolchildren from across Senegal take part in a nationwide competition. The official mascot is set to be unveiled in June 2025 to mark 500 days to go until the Games. Speaking about the energy surrounding Dakar 2026, YOGOC President Mamadou Ndiaye said: "Senegal is honoured, on behalf of Africa, to welcome the world to the first Olympic Games held on the continent. From the outset, our approach has been focused on inclusion and sharing. This inclusive dimension, inspired by our slogan 'Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates', is reflected in every stage of the preparations." The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Olympic Committee on Contact Info:Spokesperson: International Olympic CommitteeWebsite: info@ SOURCE: International Olympic Committee View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
