IOC President Thomas Bach was received in audience on 12 November 2019 by Senegalese President, Macky Sall, at the Presidential Palace in Dakar. During that audience, the President of the Olympic Movement’s governing body was raised to the rank of Commander of the National Order of the Lion by the President of the Republic. On that occasion, the latter spoke of «how proud his country, his people and their president» were to host the Youth Olympic Games, adding that Senegal was «fully committed by the side of the IOC to stage historic Games.» President Macky Sall also talked about the importance of sport in fostering social cohesion and international understanding, and offered Senegal’s support to the resolution on the Olympic Truce to be presented to the United Nations Organisation in December.

Talking about the audience, President Thomas Bach said that «We had a very friendly and fruitful meeting with the President of the Republic who confirmed his personal commitment to the success of these Youth Olympic Games, thanks to which Senegal will make Olympic history as the first to host an Olympic event on African soil. I am touched by the commitment and enthusiasm of all stakeholders.»

The audience was also an opportunity for Thomas Bach to thank President Macky Sall for the commitment of the Senegalese government, which is working closely with the Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSS). The IOC President finds in this collaboration a partnership based on mutual respect. “The success of the Games requires this kind of partnership between the government and CNOSS,» President Bach concluded.

The IOC President was accompanied at this audience by IOC member and CNOSS President, Mamadou Ndiaye, and Mustapha Berraf, IOC member and ANOCA President.