Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: How to transform this visibility into sustainable support for young African athletes?

Visibility is a currency that quickly becomes obsolete. From November 13th, when the cameras

They will pack up and leave, only what had been built, financed and protected beforehand will remain.

The legacy of the YOG-2026 is being decided now, not later.

Facilities that operate year-round: The Diamniadio and Saly sites must have

with a dedicated maintenance budget and open to clubs, schools and neighborhood leagues.

If not, they will join the long list of empty cathedrals that major events have

left on the continent.

A complete journey, from adolescence to adulthood. A young champion needs a

Framework: sports-study program, medical monitoring, trained coaches, then a pathway to competitions

seniors. It is between the ages of 16 and 22 that most talented individuals drop out, due to a lack of resources.

A fund financed by the event itself: a share of the revenue (sponsorship, rights,

partnerships) must be directed towards grants, equipment, and travel. Without this

The mechanism works out: the sponsors leave and the young people are left on their own.

Protecting athletes from predators: European clubs and agents are already scouring for promising young talents.

African clubs need clear rules on contracts, training, and compensation.

trainers. Otherwise, Africa trains and others reap the rewards.

A legal framework that finally meets expectations: status for high-level athletes, social protection,

Career change. This is the most neglected aspect, yet it's the one that retains talent in the country.

Accountability: a public dashboard must compare what was promised with what was delivered.

was delivered, with the press and civil society standing guard. Experience shows that without

Under pressure, the promises of inheritance evaporate in a few months.

However, one pitfall to avoid: confusing organizational success with development success.

Perfectly staged Games can leave young athletes exactly where they

were.

The real verdict will come in two years: how many young people are training in these

infrastructure, with what support and how many talented individuals remained in the country?