A first for the Youth Olympic Games: Samsung Galaxy smartphones to be provided to athletes at Dakar 2026
For the first time ever at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), Samsung Galaxy smartphones will be provided to participating athletes at Dakar 2026, as a new generation of athletes begin their Olympic journeys.
As part of its support for athletes at Dakar 2026, the IOC is providing them with Galaxy Z Flip8 devices, supplied by Worldwide Olympic Partner Samsung. The smartphones will give athletes a way to stay connected with friends, family and fellow competitors throughout the Games, while capturing and sharing moments from their time in Dakar.
Dakar 2026 is an important opportunity for young athletes to compete, connect and learn from one another on a global stage. We're excited to provide athletes with Samsung Galaxy smartphones for the first time ever at the Youth Olympic Games, which will help them stay connected and capture the experiences that make the Games so special.
Dakar 2026 will also see the continuation of the “Olympic Victory Selfie”, which has become part of the official medal ceremonies at the Games. After years of preparation and competition for the athletes, the Olympic Victory Selfie helps them capture their moment on the podium. Shaped by the athletes themselves, it has become an iconic part of the medal-winning experience.
“Samsung’s longstanding commitment to the Olympic Movement extends to the Youth Olympic Games and their important role in inspiring the next generation of Olympians,” said Stephanie Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Brand Centre at Samsung Electronics.
We welcome the IOC’s decision to provide Galaxy smartphones to athletes at Dakar 2026, and hope Galaxy technology helps them make the most of this important milestone and take away meaningful experiences that stay with them long after the Games.
The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November, bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes across 25 competition sports. For many of these young competitors, this will be their first experience on an Olympic stage. It will be the first Olympic sporting event held on the African continent – a historic milestone for Senegal, the region and the Olympic Movement.
Dakar 2026
The fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games 2026 will be held in Dakar, Senegal from 31 October to 13 November. This is the first time the Youth Olympic Games will be organised in Africa. Dakar 2026 presented a visionary, ambitious and technically sound YOG project that addresses the long-term aims of the country.
Dakar 2026
The fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games 2026 will be held in Dakar, Senegal from 31 October to 13 November. This is the first time the Youth Olympic Games will be organised in Africa. Dakar 2026 presented a visionary, ambitious and technically sound YOG project that addresses the long-term aims of the country.