DAKAR, Senegal — Young female athletes from around the world are preparing for a historic moment as Senegal gets ready to host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event ever staged in Africa.
The Games will run from October 31 to November 13, with competition taking place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Women will feature prominently throughout the programme, with organisers maintaining a strong commitment to gender balance across the event schedule.
For African athletes, Dakar 2026 carries special importance. Competing on the continent gives young women an opportunity to perform in front of home-region supporters while inspiring girls across Africa to see elite sport as a realistic pathway.
Several women’s events are already taking shape, including beach handball, where Senegal will compete alongside leading international teams.
The Youth Olympic flame has also arrived in Senegal, adding to the growing excitement ahead of the opening ceremony.
Beyond medals, Dakar 2026 will provide young athletes with international experience, exposure and a chance to begin building careers that could eventually lead to senior World Championships and Olympic Games.
When competition begins on October 31, young women will be at the heart of a major chapter in African and Olympic history.
By The Voice of Women Sport
October 2, 2026
