The 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games
Scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026, the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held in Dakar, marking the first time an Olympic event takes place on African soil. Senegal’s capital will serve as the host city for this historic competition. Ukraine will be represented by a delegation of 38 athletes—11 young men and 27 young women.
Sports and Symbolism
Ukrainian competitors will participate in 14 different sports, including:
- Badminton
- 3x3 Basketball
- Boxing
- Breaking
- Cycling (Road)
- Rowing (Beach Sprint)
- Judo
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Beach Wrestling
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Wushu
- Fencing
- Futsal
In total, the Games’ program will feature 35 sports.
The official mascot of the Games is a young lion named Ayo, which means “joy.” The main motto is: “Learn, Share, Act.” The full roster of Ukraine’s delegation will be confirmed by the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine closer to the start of the Games.
Hosting the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar is a landmark event for the African continent, opening up new opportunities for sports development in the region. It also has the potential to boost the Olympic movement among African youth. The participation of Ukrainian athletes in such a major competition highlights the country’s growing presence on the international sports stage and could serve as a pivotal milestone in the careers of these young competitors.
The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy have already captured the attention of millions globally, showcasing the growing influence of international sporting events. As the world gears up for both the Winter and Summer Youth Olympic Games, the focus on youth participation and development in sports becomes increasingly vital. This parallel emphasizes the importance of global athletic platforms in inspiring the next generation of athletes, like those representing Ukraine in Dakar.