Dakar Youth Olympics 2022 postponed by 4 years to 2026

Lausanne, July 15: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) rescheduled the 2022 Dakar Youth Olympics for four years due to the coronavirus pandemic. IOC President Thomas Bach said the postponement was discussed two days ago in a telephonic conversation with Senegal President Macky Sall.

 

"Senegal and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have mutually agreed to postpone the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2022 to 2026," the release read.

 

 

 

 

The IOC stated that the postponement meets the requirement of responsibility and the concern for efficiency imposed by current circumstances. The postponement of Dakar 2022 allows the IOC, NOCs, IFs to better plan their activities, which have been strongly affected by the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. At the same time, it allows Senegal to carry on the excellent preparations for the Youth Olympic Games.

“This amicable agreement illustrates the mutual trust between Senegal and the IOC. I would like to express my sincere thanks to President Macky Sall, a great friend and supporter of the Olympic Movement, for this exceptional relationship of trust and quality. For all these reasons, I am sure that, together, we will organise fantastic Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 for Senegal, the entire African continent and all the young athletes of the world,” said IOC President Thomas Bach.

 

Bach acknowledged that “this news will be disappointing for many young athletes,” and asked for their understanding.  

 

 

“I would like to reiterate that the IOC has my full support for the organisation of the Youth Olympic Games, postponed to 2026. I take this opportunity to reaffirm my confidence in the Executive Board and welcome the commitment of its teams, working side by side with us, to make Dakar 2026, the first Olympic event in Africa, a successful and memorable occasion”, said President Macky Sall.