Dakar: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the first group of Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), marking an important step in preparations for the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent.

According to Emirates News Agency, the IOC, in collaboration with the International Federations, has selected experienced Olympians from the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports featured in the Dakar 2026 programme. This initial list includes 31 Athlete Role Models, comprising multiple Olympic champions and medallists, who will provide mentoring and workshop training to young athletes during the event.

Since the inaugural Singapore 2010 YOG, the Athlete Role Model programme has been a key component, offering young athletes the opportunity to learn from seasoned Olympians. For Dakar 2026, the Athlete Role Models will engage directly with competing athletes in Senegal, offering support, advice, and taking part in educational workshops covering career management, injury prevention, and mental preparation, among other topics.

In addition to workshops, the Athlete Role Models will attend training sessions, engage with the local community, support athletes from the sidelines, and participate in victory ceremonies. This initiative highlights the IOC's commitment to delivering a meaningful athlete experience at the Youth Olympic Games, while also supporting the legacy of Dakar 2026 in Senegal and across Africa.

The Dakar 2026 YOG is scheduled to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, uniting approximately 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17 across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.