OMEGA marks one year to Africa’s first Youth Olympic Games with countdown clock ceremony

IOC President Kirsty Coventry: We feel energised as the occasion draws nearer

Two minutes later, a second ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together both sporting representatives and local authorities, including Abass Fall, Mayor of Dakar; Khady Diène Gaye, Minister of Youth and Sports; and Yankhoba Diémé, Minister of Transport.

Speaking at the unveiling, IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the significance of the moment: “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. We feel energised as the occasion draws nearer, and as OMEGA begins the countdown.”

Reflecting on OMEGA’s role as the Official Timekeeper, Raynald Aeschlimann said: “It’s an honour for OMEGA to be involved in this upcoming IOC event. 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.”

This moment marks a major milestone in the lead-up to Dakar 2026, the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil. With one year to go before the Opening Ceremony, the clock stands not only as a measure of time, but as a symbol of anticipation, pride, and the collective spirit of a continent ready to make Olympic history.