Inspiring Senegal's next generation: Free tickets bring children to Dakar 2026

These Senegalese children are set to attend one of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic events. Thanks to an initiative that has allowed them to receive free tickets, they will get to experience the Games close up, news that has made them very happy. I am proud. I'm very happy. I'm very proud of the Senegalese people. They have given us the courage. And we are learning for them, because it gives me the motivation to pursue my dreams. I was able to realize my dream, the Olympic Games of my youth. The Youth Olympic Games were organized for young people. That's a good thing because we train to show people that young people can do things that some adults can't do. To do things that certain people can do. An enthusiasm shared by the entire school, but the school director deplores the lack of sports facilities across Senegal. Il manque. There is a huge lack of spaces, playgrounds and sports fields for our children. These are among children's fundamental needs. The need to move, the need to play, all of these are part of a child's needs and help them grow up in a healthy and balanced way. I'm ready to grow serenely. Throughout the Youth Olympic Games, more than 200,000 children are expected to benefit from free tickets to attend the various competitions – an opportunity to inspire a new generation of sporting talent.