NAIROBI, Kenya – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially launched a worldwide competition inviting young designers to create the medals for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). This initiative aims to engage youth globally and allow them to leave a lasting mark on the quadrennial multi-sport event, which will be the first Olympic event held on the African continent.

The competition, open to individuals aged 18 to 30, seeks innovative and inspiring designs that embody the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games – excellence, friendship, and respect – while also reflecting the vibrant culture and heritage of Senegal and Africa. Participants are encouraged to submit designs for the gold, silver, and bronze medals, considering both the aesthetic appeal and the practical aspects of medal production.

A Platform for Young Talent

This design challenge is more than just a competition; it is a platform for young artists and designers to showcase their talent on an international stage. The winning design will be featured on all medals awarded during the Dakar 2026 YOG, an event that will bring together thousands of young athletes from around the world. The IOC has emphasized that the designs should be original, creative, and capable of inspiring both the athletes who will wear them and the global audience.

The judging panel will comprise a diverse group of experts, including renowned artists, designers, Olympic athletes, and representatives from the IOC and the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee. They will evaluate submissions based on criteria such as artistic merit, originality, relevance to the YOG values, and feasibility of production. The competition guidelines provide detailed specifications regarding size, materials, and the inclusion of mandatory elements like the Olympic rings and the Dakar 2026 logo.

Dakar 2026: A Historic Event

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games hold significant historical importance as the first Olympic event to be hosted in Africa. This landmark occasion is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts across the continent and beyond. The Games will feature a diverse range of sports, blending traditional Olympic disciplines with new, youth-focused events, reflecting the evolving landscape of global sport.

The IOC's decision to involve young people directly in the medal design process aligns with the core principles of the Youth Olympic Games, which aim to empower and engage youth in all aspects of the event. It also underscores the IOC's commitment to fostering creativity and providing opportunities for young individuals to contribute meaningfully to the Olympic movement.

• Key Dates: The competition is expected to run for several months, with submission deadlines and judging timelines to be announced on the official IOC and Dakar 2026 websites.
• Prizes: In addition to the prestige of having their design featured on the YOG medals, the winner will receive a monetary prize and an invitation to attend the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games opening ceremony.
• Impact: Analysts in Nairobi suggest that such international engagements, particularly those involving youth, could significantly influence public discourse around sports development and creative industries in Kenya and across Africa. Stakeholders are urging clarity on the competition's timelines, costs, and safeguards to ensure equitable participation.

Kenyan youth, particularly those in design and arts, are encouraged to participate, viewing this as a unique opportunity to represent their country and continent on a global platform. The Ministry of Sports and Culture is expected to disseminate information about the competition widely to ensure maximum participation from local talent.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games promise to be a celebration of youth, sport, and African culture, and the medal design competition is an integral part of building anticipation and engagement for this historic event.