My dear daughters, my dear sons,
Dear young African athletes,
Dear Team Africa,
The time has come. Our continent’s moment has arrived.
The Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will kick off this Saturday, 31 October. It is an event we have awaited for what feels like an eternity, and for which we have been preparing for years.
For some of you, this will be a first. For all of you, it will be historic: the very first time that an Olympic event of this magnitude is hosted on African soil.
Tomorrow, you will be more than just athletes. You will be 54 flags beating as one heart. You will be the face of an Africa on the rise, proud, united and triumphant .
Here at home, on our own soil, in Dakar, you will carry far more than your national colours. You will carry the hopes of 1.4 billion Africans, the pride of our peoples, and the immense potential of young people resolutely focused on the future.
You embody our vision: Africa united through sport, a continent rooted in its timeless values – Unity, Solidarity and Dignity. An Africa that has fully entered the 21st century: ambitious, innovative, united and resolutely committed to excellence.
Dear young athletes,
I urge you to compete with heart, courage and pride, in compliance with the Olympic Charter and its three fundamental pillars:
EXCELLENCE: to push your limits and pursue your dreams with discipline, perseverance and resilience.
RESPECT: to honour your opponents, abide by the rules and demonstrate fair play, in victory as in defeat.
FRIENDSHIP: to build bridges between peoples and make sport an instrument of peace, fraternity and closer ties among nations.
Be competitive, be tenacious in your efforts, but always dignified and exemplary in your conduct.
You come from different countries and different cultures, but you form one single team: Africa United . Let solidarity be your strength. Let ubuntu guide your every step: “I am because we are.” Encourage one another, support one another, and celebrate each others’ victories as your own.
Beyond medals and performances, your greatest victory will be to demonstrate that African unity is a strength, that our differences are a source of inspiration rather than division.
Always remember: behind every step you take, behind every victory you achieve, an entire continent is cheering you on. You are not alone. Your families, your 54 NOCs, ANOCA, and an entire continent are walking with you.
May every stride, every move, every effort and every smile bear witness to a united Africa, proud of its identity and determined to write a new chapter of its history.
Team Africa, let us make Dakar a symbol of collective ambition and continental pride!
Africa is united. Africa is forward-looking. Africa is ready. And its youth is its greatest hope.
Game on, Team Africa! Africa is watching you. Africa believes in you. Africa counts on you.
Let the Games begin!
Mustapha Berraf
ANOCA President
ANOC Vice Président
IOC Member
