As part of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026, the Organising Committee yesterday received a donation from Qatar comprising 14 buses and security equipment. As well as strengthening the fleet during the Games, the gesture constitutes a fine legacy for the Cojoj.

By Woury DIALLO – In less than a week, Dakar will be the capital of the Olympic world. Eight years in the waiting, Senegal and Africa are ready to host and celebrate the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), Dakar 2026. For two weeks, all eyes will be on the land of Teranga for a first on the continent. It is with this in mind that Qatar decided to support Senegal in organising the Games on African soil as well as possible, with the donation of 14 buses and security equipment made available. The handover ceremony took place yesterday afternoon at Keur AYO, headquarters of the YOG Organising Committee (Cojoj).

The initiative reflects Qatar’s desire to support countries hosting major sporting events and to strengthen international cooperation. The country thus intends to share the experience and resources acquired in organising the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, and other major competitions.

“We are pleased to support Senegal…”

“Qatar and Senegal enjoy strong and long-standing relations. We are pleased to support Senegal in its preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, a historic event for African sport. Sharing the expertise acquired in organising major sporting competitions is one of the most valuable contributions we can make,” said H.E. Youssef Shaban Ibrahim Al Sada, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Senegal. He added: “It also reflects our conviction that sport plays an essential role in bringing nations together and strengthening their cooperation.”

Drawing on its experience in organising major sporting competitions, Qatar has supported several host countries in their preparations in recent years, thereby helping to strengthen cooperation in the field of sport and to tighten the bonds between nations.

The gesture was duly appreciated by the president of the Cojoj, Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, who conveyed his thanks to His Excellency and to the State of Qatar, emphasising the strong ties between the two countries.

Indeed, speaking on behalf of Mr Diagna Ndiaye, his chief of staff, Louis Lamotte, considers that the donation constitutes a fine legacy for Senegal.

“We have just received quite a substantial donation from Qatar, more precisely from the Qatar Olympic Committee, given to the National Olympic Committee of Senegal. As part of their legacy, they felt they should provide support to the Cojoj and to Senegal for the organisation of the Youth Olympic Games. These buses will help strengthen the mobility arrangements put in place by the Organising Committee. There is also a large batch of security equipment,” Mr Lamotte said.

Beyond that, he stressed, “we are building up the heritage of the legacy. To inherit, there has to be a heritage. If nothing is left to us, we inherit nothing. There is something to inherit and we are doing everything to ensure that this legacy is fully available to Senegal”.

Dakar Dem Dik mobilises 184 buses for the YOG

For the Director-General of Dakar Dem Dik, Bara Gaye, this donation from Qatar

“will enable the Cojoj to ensure the smooth organisation of mobility for the Youth Olympic Games. It is also an honour for me because we have signed an exclusive agreement with the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games. Dakar Dem Dik is the official transporter of the Games, which places us at the heart of the organisational set-up. As we like to say, this is the first time Africa has hosted an international event of this scale. That is also why we say that Africa hosts, Senegal organises, and Dem Dik transports”.

Under the partnership with the Cojoj, 184 buses will be put into service. The Youth Olympic Games will bring together around 2,700 athletes from 207 countries. The competitions will take place in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

wdiallo@lequotidien.sn