The IOC Executive Board has decided to propose Senegal as host of the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2022.
The host will be elected by the IOC Session in Buenos Aires. The proposal is based on the report of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission headed by IOC Vice-President Uğur Erdener, who said:
"In the process of selecting the host of the 2022 YOG, the IOC was fortunate to have four quality partners representing the African continent. All four candidates have the capacity to deliver successful Youth Olympic Games and offer many opportunities:
- Botswana, the smallest of the four candidate countries, proposed a fascinating project centered around its capital Gaborone, a project that would help realize the country's long-term vision for youth and sport.
- Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, proposed a very solid and compact project in the capital city of Abuja, a project also totally in line with the national strategy for youth and sport.
- Tunisia presented a robust project involving Tunis, La Soukra, Radès and the seaside resort of Yasmine-Hammamet. The vision carried by the project is in line with the government's objective of supporting and empowering young people."
In taking this decision, the IOC Executive Board recognizes that Senegal offers a solid project and, at this particular time, the best prospects.
The bid is centered on three locations: the capital, Dakar, the new city of Diamniadio and the seaside resort of Saly. Senegal's project is part of the country's overall development strategy, in particular the "Plan Sénégal Émergent" (Emerging Senegal Plan) put in place by the government to undertake major economic changes and improve infrastructure.
"Now it's Africa's turn... Africa is home to so many great Olympic athletes. Africa is a continent full of young people. That's why we want to bring the 2022 Youth Olympic Games to Africa and to Senegal. This West African country is proposing a project based on a strong ambition for youth and sport. There are many opportunities here, and we will work together in close partnership to deliver visionary, responsible and exciting Youth Games". Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee
In PyeongChang last February, the IOC Session unanimously decided that the 2022 edition of the Youth Olympic Games would be awarded to the African continent.
The 2022 Youth Olympic Games in Africa will go down in history as the first Olympic event on the continent. The host selection process was shorter than previous selection processes, with reduced costs and less complexity for stakeholders and candidates.
After ratification by the IOC Session (October 8-9) and signature of the host contract in Buenos Aires, Senegal will enter a phase of co-construction with the IOC to establish the detailed plan for the Senegal 2022 edition.