Over 200 National Olympic Committees Attend Dakar 2026 Chefs de Mission Seminar

Dakar, Senegal — More than 200 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) took part in the Chefs de Mission Seminar for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, marking a major step forward in preparations for the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil. The seminar was held over two days, on April 9 and 10, 2026, and brought together 173 NOCs in person in Dakar, with additional delegations joining remotely. 

Organised by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee in close collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the seminar provided NOCs with detailed insights into all key operational areas of the Games, helping delegations prepare effectively for the arrival of their athletes later this year. 

Plenary sessions and interactive workshops covered essential topics such as logistics, accommodation, sport operations, medical services, and catering. These sessions enabled NOCs to gain a clear understanding of Games-time procedures and to engage directly with the organising teams responsible for delivery. 

The programme also included site visits to competition venues in Dakar and Diamniadio, as well as a tour of the Youth Olympic Village. These visits allowed delegations to familiarise themselves with the environments in which athletes will compete and live, strengthening confidence in the readiness of the host city and venues. 

In parallel with the seminar, individual meetings and targeted information sessions were organised throughout the week, offering NOCs the opportunity to clarify specific operational questions and further refine their preparations in close coordination with the Dakar 2026 teams. 

Participants highlighted the importance of the seminar for both operational readiness and symbolic significance. Many representatives underlined the historic importance of Dakar 2026 as the first Youth Olympic Games to be staged on the African continent, describing the event as a source of inspiration for young people both in Africa and around the world. 

As preparations continue, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee will integrate the feedback gathered during the seminar and maintain close cooperation with the IOC and NOCs to enhance services and ensure an exceptional experience for all delegations. 

The Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 are scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026, and will welcome approximately 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.