In a moment charged with excitement and anticipation, OMEGA has unveiled the official countdown clock for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), marking exactly one year until the historic event begins. The grand reveal took place in the bustling heart of downtown Dakar, symbolising the start of the countdown to the first-ever Olympic sporting event on African soil.
The unveiling ceremony at Dakar Gare was a celebration of sport, culture, and innovation, highlighting OMEGA’s enduring partnership with the Olympic Movement. As a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, the Swiss watchmaker reaffirmed its commitment to precision, excellence, and the shared values of the Games.
Among those attending the ceremony were International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann, Mamadou Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Youth Organising Committee (YOGOC), and Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC.
‘Placing the Youth Olympic Games at the Heart of Africa’s Transformation’
Speaking at the event, President Kirsty Coventry reflected on the milestone moment for both the Olympic Movement and the African continent.
“Dakar 2026 was created from the vision of bringing the Youth Olympic Games to every corner of the world, placing them at the heart of Africa’s transformation,” she said. “We feel energised as the occasion draws nearer, and as OMEGA begins the countdown. We extend our heartfelt thanks to OMEGA for their unwavering partnership and commitment to the Olympic values. We can’t wait to welcome the world’s most promising athletes to a competition that could launch their sporting careers and transform their lives within seconds.”
OMEGA’s Role as Official Timekeeper
As the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Olympic Games, OMEGA has long been synonymous with precision and sporting history. Reflecting on the company’s continued role, Raynald Aeschlimann expressed pride in supporting such a landmark event.
“It’s an honour for OMEGA to be involved in this upcoming IOC event,” he said. “Dakar 2026 feels like a significant moment for the global growth of sport, and we look forward to bringing our Official Timekeeper expertise to the occasion. At the Youth Olympic Games, we always witness the beginning of many incredible athletic careers, and I’m certain that next year’s historic events in Senegal will see many more young talents on the rise.”
Building Excitement for Africa’s First Olympic Event
For Mamadou Ndiaye, the unveiling of the clock encapsulates the growing excitement across Senegal and the wider continent.
“This edition of the Youth Olympic Games will be unlike any other,” he said. “With hosting taking place in Africa, there will be such a rich and vibrant culture surrounding the full programme. It’s special to be here with OMEGA and to actually see that Dakar 2026 is now getting closer every day.”
Ibrahima Wade echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the momentum the countdown brings to organisers and athletes alike.
“There is already so much motivation behind Dakar 2026, and today’s countdown gives everyone a boost of momentum for the year ahead. We thank OMEGA for their positivity and look forward to working together towards the start line.”
A Legacy of Timing Olympic Milestones
OMEGA’s unveiling continues its long-standing tradition of marking major milestones on the road to each Olympic, Paralympic, and Youth Olympic Games. As Official Timekeeper for Dakar 2026, the company will once again deploy advanced timing systems, including photofinish cameras, electronic starting pistols and quantum timers to ensure every result is captured with absolute precision.
Scheduled to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, Dakar 2026 will be the fourth summer edition of the Youth Olympic Games. Around 2,700 athletes aged up to 17 will compete in 153 events across three host sites - Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly as Africa welcomes the world for a celebration of youth, unity and sport.
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