The countdown is officially on. With one year to go until the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, OMEGA — the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games — sets the clock in motion for a defining moment in global sport. For the first time in history, an International Olympic Committee event will take place on African soil, marking a powerful step forward for the spirit of youth, sport, and unity.
From October 31 to November 13, 2026, Dakar will host around 2,700 young athletes — all under 17 — competing in 153 events across 25 sports and 10 engagement disciplines. Among them, Baseball5 and Wushu will make their debut appearances, offering a fresh and dynamic edge to the Games. True to its legacy, OMEGA will capture every record-breaking second, applying its world-renowned precision and Olympic expertise to the event’s most defining moments.
To celebrate the “One Year To Go” milestone, a special ceremony took place in Dakar, attended by OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann, IOC President Kirsty Coventry, and key leaders from the Dakar 2026 Youth Organising Committee.
“It’s an honour for OMEGA to be involved in this upcoming IOC event,” said Aeschlimann. “Dakar 2026 feels like a significant moment for the global growth of sport. We look forward to bringing our Official Timekeeper expertise to an occasion that celebrates emerging talent and the next generation of champions.”
Since 1932, OMEGA has been synonymous with precision timekeeping at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as every Youth Olympic Games since the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010. For Dakar 2026, the brand will once again deliver cutting-edge innovation — from Photofinish Cameras and Quantum Timers to its pioneering Electronic Starting Pistol — ensuring every athlete’s performance is measured with absolute accuracy.
With the clock now ticking toward Dakar 2026, OMEGA’s enduring partnership with the Olympic Movement continues to embody excellence, innovation, and the timeless pursuit of greatness.
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