Raise awareness, practice, and have fun

The photos speak for themselves: smiles, sharing, joy, winners, attentive listening, and concentration.

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, the [Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee] welcomed us to Ker Ayo (the Mascot House), giving children the opportunity to discover the former French military base.

Inclusion and diversity were at the heart of the activity: 50 players from the EUSEBIO Football School, 20 young girls from the Liberté 5A neighborhood, 15 Talibé children hosted by Empire des Enfants, and 5 young girls from their community.

Several sports activities were organized in rotation. All the teams, which were mixed, took part in every workshop: agility, coordination, speed, teamwork, critical thinking, and concentration. The children were motivated, united, and fully engaged. Each activity was designed to promote the values and information related to the Youth Olympic Games. The traditional “right, center, left” directions were replaced by “Saly, Diamniadio, Dakar” to familiarize the children with the competition sites.

Then… Mascot Ayo arrived, bringing immense joy to both children and adults alike: dancing, photos, and playful moments followed.

A former Viet Vo Dao athlete shared her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of education in an athlete’s career. Empire des Enfants also delivered an impressive Taekwondo demonstration, a discipline they practice every week with Master Kha.

To conclude the day, a presentation followed by a quiz allowed the children to test their knowledge and win personalized school notebooks as prizes. Mohamed, only 10 years old, won the competition.

This activity was organized within the framework of the International Year of Volunteering 2026 (IVY2026), with the support of numerous volunteers who contributed to its success.

We would like to thank the Consortium Jeunesse Sénégal for providing transportation through the funding of a bus and a minibus. We also thank the United Nations Volunteers for the t-shirts and bracelets. Our gratitude also goes to La Guilde for their guidance and for the photographs taken by Apolline Chotel. Finally, we sincerely thank the [COJOJ Dakar 2026] for their warm welcome, the organization of the activity, and the bracelets provided.

A strong legacy for the prosperity of this historic first for Senegal and Africa.

#VolontariatSn
#IVY2026