IOC confirms Senegal as 2022 hosts of Youth Olympic Games

IOC President, Thomas Bach

THE fourth edition of the summer version of the Youth Olympic Games of 2022 will be held in the Senegalese capital city of Dakar, it has been officially confirmed.
The decision was unanimously taken on Monday by a show of hands from the full International Olympic Committee membership during the IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
This is the first time the Youth Olympic Games will be organised in Africa.
Four African countries were in the running for the hosting rights and, after thorough analysis, both the committee’s Evaluation Commission and the Executive Committee took a decision.
They determined that Dakar presented the best value proposition and the greatest opportunities at this moment in time, better than what the three other countries of Nigeria, Tunisia and Botswana presented.
The IOC, in announcing the decision, said Dakar 2022 presented a visionary, ambitious and technically-sound YOG project which addresses the long-term aims of the country.
It said: “Senegal has a large youth population and views the YOG as a catalyst for engaging young people and developing the country’s sports and youth policy.
“Significant investments are already being made towards youths and sports as part of the country’s overarching framework ‘Plan Sénégal émergent’, which sets out the President’s vision to 2035.’’
Commenting also, IOC President, Thomas Bach, said: “Africa is united behind Senegal to host the Youth Olympic Games 2022”.
Bach added: “With a young population and a passion for sports, it is time for Africa, it is time for Senegal.
“Considering the unifying power of the Games, the IOC is pleased to count on the four parties, who have all endorsed the decision of the IOC and pledged full support to the selected host.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the decision took place during the 3rd edition of YOG, currently holding in Buenos Aires from October 6 to October 8.
The competitions and activities will be held across three cities, showing the many facets of Senegal.
These are the historic capital of Dakar, the new city of Diamniadio and the natural beauty of Saly on the coast.
The President of Senegal, Macky Sall, who made the journey to Buenos Aires for the historic IOC decision, was ecstatic.
Sall said: “Senegal and its young people are proud of the honour you have bestowed upon us, in entrusting the organisation of the Youth Olympic Games 2022 to our country.
“In fact, it is the whole of Africa, the birthplace of humankind through its history and the youngest continent through its demographics, which will welcome the young athletes of the world in 2022.’’ – theeagleonline.com.ng