Omega has set the stage for a historic celebration in Senegal, unveiling the official countdown clock for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as the city marks one year to go. The ceremony, hosted in the heart of Dakar, reflects rising excitement ahead of the first Olympic event ever to take place on African soil.

Top officials gathered for the moment, including International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, Omega President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann, and Dakar 2026 Youth Organising Committee leaders Mamadou Ndiaye and Ibrahima Wade. The reveal reinforced Omega’s longstanding role as a trusted Olympic partner and timekeeping pioneer.

Omega celebrates milestone moment in Africa’s Olympic history

President Coventry highlighted the significance of the Youth Olympic Games being staged in Africa for the first time, praising Omega’s support and expressing anticipation for the promising young athletes set to compete.

Aeschlimann echoed that sentiment, calling Dakar 2026 a meaningful step in global sports development and expressing confidence that the Youth Olympic Games will launch new generations of athletic stars.

Dakar leaders ready to welcome the world

Ndiaye and Wade emphasized growing nationwide excitement and noted that the countdown clock symbolizes momentum as Senegal prepares for thousands of young competitors. The organizers expect the event to showcase African culture alongside elite youth sport.

Omega will bring its advanced timing systems to Dakar, including photofinish cameras, quantum timers and electronic starting pistols, ensuring precision in every competition. Dakar 2026, scheduled from October 31 to November 13 next year, will feature about 2,700 athletes aged up to 17 across 153 events in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.