Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Launch “Jambaar26” Volunteer Programme

DAKAR, Senegal, December 2, 2025 — With anticipation rising ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) — the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil — the Organising Committee has officially opened applications for its volunteer programme, inviting individuals from Senegal and around the world to take part in delivering this historic edition.

Key Highlights

• Jambaar26 volunteer programme launched on 1 December 2025, running until 31 January 2026, with a target of over 6,000 volunteers.

• The name “Jambaar26”, inspired by the Wolof word jambaar meaning hero, honours the vital role volunteers will play.

• The programme is open to all, with volunteers supporting logistics, transport, accreditation, ceremonies, media operations and audience services.

• A National Volunteer Mobilisation Tour will visit all 14 regions of Senegal from 1 to 7 December 2025 to promote the programme and assist with registrations.

A Programme Open to Everyone

Launching on 1 December, Jambaar26 offers more than 6,000 people the chance to contribute directly to the organisation of the Youth Olympic Games. Open to anyone eager to participate in a major international sport event, the programme provides a pathway to gain new skills, build experience in event operations and welcome athletes and spectators from across the globe.

Applications must be submitted through the official portal before 31 January 2026.

Named after the Wolof word for “hero,” Jambaar26 celebrates the dedication and service of volunteers who will be essential to the successful staging of Dakar 2026. While many applications are expected from young people within Senegal, the programme welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and nationalities who are motivated to contribute to this landmark event.

Volunteers will support both competition and non-competition venues, assisting in areas such as:

• Sports operations

• Ceremonies

• Transport and logistics

• Accreditation

• Media services

• Spectator engagement

Applicants must be 18 years or older and have a basic command of French and English. Those selected will undergo training provided by the Organising Committee and must commit to a minimum of 10 days of service during the Games.

To inspire broad participation, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) is conducting a nationwide Volunteer Tour from 1–7 December 2025. The tour will visit all 14 regions of Senegal to meet prospective volunteers, provide programme details and encourage community involvement.

The journey begins in Thiès on 1 December before three caravans travel across the country. Scheduled stops include:

• 2 December: Fatick, Kédougou, Diourbel

• 3 December: Kaolack, Louga

• 4 December: Kolda

• 5 December: Kaffrine, Sédhiou

• 6 December: Saint-Louis

• 7 December: Matam, Tambacounda, Ziguinchor

A major concluding event will take place in Dakar on 14 December.

Across the tour, YOGOC teams will share information about volunteer roles, responsibilities and benefits; engage local communities; and promote the values of volunteering — teamwork, inclusion and solidarity. The initiative aims to unite the nation in support of Dakar 2026 and ensure that the volunteer team reflects Senegal’s cultural and regional diversity.

About Dakar 2026

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will run from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together 2,700 elite young athletes aged 15–17. Competitions and events will take place across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly — marking a historic milestone as Africa hosts an Olympic event for the first