2022 Youth Olympic Games: Senegal beats Nigeria, others to hosting right
Finally the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded the hosting of the 2022 Youth Olympic
Games to Senegal ahead of Nigeria, Botswana and Tunisia.
This is the first time the Youth Olympic Games will be organised in Africa.
In a statement by IOC and made available to Sportinglife.ng, the decision to award the rights to
Senegal was taken unanimously on Monday in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Senegal, Nigeria, Tunisia and Botswana were in the running and, after thorough analysis, the Evaluation
Commission and the Executive Board determined that Dakar, Senegal, presented the best value proposition
and the greatest opportunities at this moment in time.
According to IOC, Dakar 2022 presented a visionary, ambitious and technically sound YOG project that
addresses the long-term aims of the country. Senegal has a large youth population and views the YOG as
a catalyst for engaging young people and developing the country’s sport and youth policy. Significant
investments are already being made toward youth and sport as part of the country’s overarching
framework “Plan Sénégal émergent”, which sets out the President’s vision to 2035.
According to IOC President, Thomas Bach the continent of Africa is united to support Senegal. “Africa
is united behind Senegal to host the Youth Olympic Games 2022. With a young population and a passion
for sport, it is time for Africa, it is time for Senegal.”
The competitions and activities will be held across three cities, showing the many facets of Senegal:
the historic capital of Dakar; the new city of Diamniadio; and the natural beauty of Saly on the coast.
The President of Senegal, Macky Sall, who made the journey to Buenos Aires for the historic IOC
decision said: “Senegal and its young people are proud of the honour you have bestowed upon us, in
entrusting the organisation of the Youth Olympic Games 2022 to our country.
Read Also: IOC considers Africa for 2022 Youth Olympic Games
“In fact, it is the whole of Africa, the birthplace of humankind through its history and the youngest
continent through its demographics, which will welcome the young athletes of the world in 2022.”
Considering the unifying power of the Games, the IOC is pleased to count on the four parties, who have
all endorsed the decision of the IOC and pledged full support to the selected host.
The decision took place during the 3rd edition of the Youth Olympic Games, currently taking place in
Buenos Aires from 6 to 18 October.