A Declaration of Love for Sport, Youth and Africa: Watch the Dakar 2026 Official Video

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) has unveiled its official video.

"Through poetic narration and striking imagery, this video tells the collective story of a continent that is proud, resilient and united, and which is ready to welcome the world with passion and ambition," stated Dakar 2026 in a press release. "

"The cradle of humanity, a land of belief and resilience, is ready to make its mark on sporting history," thunders the voice of the presenter, resonating with an energy that calls for unity and celebration.

The video highlights the founding values of the Youth Olympic Games: respect, humility, excellence and hope. It also highlights the central role of young people in shaping a shared future.

"This video is more than just a trailer," added Dakar 2026. "It's an invitation. With the participation of Olympic medalist and Senegalese athletics legend Amadou Dia Ba, it invites us to believe in the power of sport, support the next generation, and celebrate the diversity and strength of Africa."

The Dakar Youth Olympics are scheduled to open on October 31, 2026. The cities of Diamniadio and Saly, along with Senegal's capital city, will host this global celebration of sport and youth.

The programme includes 25 sports and will involve 2,700 athletes. The maximum age for participants will be 17 at the time of the Games.

Baseball5, the five-on-five version of baseball/softball, will be part of the programme. Baseball5’s inclusion marks the first time baseball/softball features in the sports programme at a Youth Olympic Games and it will also be the first Olympic team sport to feature mixed-gender teams.

"We are very excited for our urban discipline to play a key role at Dakar 2026, and I have no doubt it will be a huge hit," commented WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari.

The Youth Olympic Games will involve 35 International Federations. Ten sports will form part of a new engagement programme, aimed at helping to build interest and participation within the host country and host region by enabling local young people to try these sports rather than simply being spectators.