IOC honours Senegalese leaders and Dakar 2026 organisers with Olympic Orders
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has paid tribute to the Senegalese authorities and the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee for their contribution to the success of the first Youth Olympic Games held on African soil. Today, IOC President Kirsty Coventry presented Olympic Orders and other distinctions at a thank-you ceremony.
Key Facts
- IOC President Kirsty Coventry honoured Senegalese authorities and Dakar 2026 organisers for their contributions to these historic Youth Olympic Games.
- The Olympic Order in Gold was awarded to Senegalese Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô and Dakar 2026 Organising Committee President Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye.
- Four additional leaders received the Olympic Order in Silver, while the mayors of the three host cities and a Dakar 2026 ambassador were also recognised for their contribution to the Games.
The ceremony brought together IOC Members, Senegalese government officials, representatives of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee, International Federation representatives and members of the wider Olympic Movement.
As the first Olympic sporting event held on the African continent drew to a close, the occasion provided an opportunity to recognise the collective efforts that helped bring the Games to life across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Addressing the audience, President Coventry reflected on the shared commitment that had made the Games possible.
There is a beautiful African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ And if these Youth Olympic Games have shown us anything, it is what can happen when an entire country comes together for its young people.
Reflecting on the Games' broader significance, Coventry praised the people of Senegal for their hospitality and the opportunities created for a new generation of young people.
“You have shown the world what Senegal and Africa are capable of, and when people come together behind a shared dream, how strong that can make us. You have every reason to be so proud,” she concluded.
Paying a personal tribute to Organising Committee President Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, Coventry highlighted his determination and ability to bring people together throughout the preparations for the Games.
“You believed in these games from the very beginning, and you brought people together, you opened doors; you never stopped championing our vision and your vision,” she said.
Olympic Orders recognise outstanding contributions
The Olympic Order, the highest individual distinction awarded by the IOC in recognition of outstanding service to the Olympic Movement, was presented to six individuals whose contributions were instrumental to the organisation and delivery of Dakar 2026.
The Olympic Order in Gold was awarded to:
- Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, Prime Minister of Senegal
- Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee
The Olympic Order in Silver was presented to:
- Djirèye Clotilde Coly, Minister of Youth and Sports
- Déthié Fall, Minister of Infrastructure
- Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee
These distinctions recognised the commitment and collaboration of the Senegalese authorities and the Organising Committee in delivering a historic edition of the Youth Olympic Games.
Further distinctions celebrate the host cities and Olympic Movement
The ceremony also recognised the contributions of the three host cities. Abass Fall, Mayor of Dakar; Mamadou Moulaye Guèye, Mayor of Diamniadio; and Ousmane Guèye, Mayor of Saly, each received an olive tree, a lasting symbol of the Greek origins of the Olympic Movement and the enduring values it represents.
The ceremony offered a moment of gratitude to the many individuals and institutions whose dedication and collaboration helped Senegal deliver a milestone edition of the Youth Olympic Games, marking a historic chapter for the Olympic Movement in Africa.