Dakar 2026 official motto unveiled during 142nd IOC Session
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) has unveiled its official motto for the next edition of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) during a presentation at the 142nd Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Paris.
The motto, "Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates", underscores the uniqueness of this YOG edition: Senegal is the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event. The YOGOC emphasised that the YOG will be an event for the entire African continent.
In creating the motto, Dakar 2026's desire to develop a brand that highlights its unique vision for the YOG, which aims to create an event that combines the Senegalese Teranga – the host nation’s generosity of spirit and hospitality – with sport, youth, hope and celebration.
This motto is designed to capture the essence of African hospitality and the festive spirit of Dakar, while inviting the world to share and celebrate together.
The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October 2026, bringing together the world’s best young athletes. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly), and aim to serve as a catalyst to transform Senegal through sport, while becoming a blueprint for future YOG hosts.
Through the “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates” motto, the YOGOC also aims to express how the young people of Africa are ready to welcome the world's youth to collaboratively shape the ambitions of their shared future during the Games.
Engaging fans during Paris 2024
Kirsty Coventry unveiled plans on how Dakar 2026 will engage fans during the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024.
With Île-Saint-Denis being transformed into Africa Station – a fan zone dedicated to African culture and sport – the YOGOC will join the celebrations with a special programme of events throughout the Games.
Dakar 2026 will also host a series of events at the live site located at Parc Georges-Valbon, in Seine-Saint-Denis, which will come alive during the Games with action being broadcast on big screens, as well as interactive workshops, artistic events and sports activities.