31 October 2024 – As Senegal marks the two-year countdown to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, the third edition of the Dakar En Jeux Festival will unite local youth through an exciting programme of sport, music and cultural activities.
Running from 7 to 10 November, the event will engage thousands of people in the host communities of Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly while promoting the Olympic values and building excitement for the YOG.
Over four days, participants will have the opportunity to take part in sports demonstrations, enjoy music concerts and experience Senegalese and African culture, with the festival also aiming to promote physical activity and highlight the importance of sport in everyday life.
Celebrating sports and community engagement
Central to this year’s festival will be an under-16 3×3 basketball competition featuring teams from Algeria, Botswana, Gambia, Nigeria and Senegal. Taking place at Dakar’s iconic Place de l’Obélisque, the tournament will transform the square into a vibrant outdoor arena that will showcase the continent’s young basketball talent.
With Senegalese basketball legends Makhtar Ndiaye and Mame Maty Mbengue serving as patrons of the event, the tournament looks set to be one of the highlights of the festival and will give local sports fans a glimpse of what to expect during the YOG Dakar 2026.
In addition to enjoying the 3×3 tournament, festival-goers will also have the chance to try various sports for themselves, including baseball5, fencing and breaking, as well as traditional martial arts such as judo, karate, taekwondo and wushu.
Promoting health and well-being
The 2024 edition of Dakar en Jeux will also introduce Impact Spark – a new initiative by Dakar 2026 and the Lausanne-based association SPARK/innov-action, with the support of the CHUV university hospital, aimed at promoting health and well-being through physical activity. The programme is designed to combat the growing challenge of diseases linked to sedentary lifestyles by encouraging regular physical activity in a fun and inclusive environment.
Aimed at young people aged between 14 and 18, the initiative will highlight key themes such as oral health, malaria prevention and addictions while using sport and physical activity to encourage positive habits and healthier lifestyle choices.
Highlighting local culture
In addition to sporting activities, the festival will feature a diverse array of cultural events and music performances across the festival’s three sites. Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly will each host events showcasing the best of Senegalese and African culture, offering a platform for young artists to display their talent and celebrate their heritage, while also giving young people the chance to engage in a variety of cultural experiences.
Building excitement for Dakar 2026
As the countdown continues to the YOG Dakar 2026, the Dakar En Jeux Festival is once again playing a crucial role in raising awareness of the YOG and the Olympic values in Senegal and throughout Africa. This year’s festival serves as an important milestone, marking two years to go until the YOG, with its diverse programme set to engage local youth, encourage active lifestyles, and strengthen the link between sport and culture in the lead-up to the Games.
Building on the success of previous editions, which drew thousands of participants, the 2024 Dakar en Jeux Festival promises to be an even more impactful celebration of sport and culture. By involving young people from across Senegal and Africa, the festival aims to inspire future generations to embrace the Olympic values and become champions of positive change in their communities.
