12 Sep 2018

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, has recommended that Senegal  should host the 2022 Youth Olympic Games.

Botswana, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia had shown interest to host the games. All the countries reached a dialogue phase, and the IOC experts visited each country to gather information on motivations for hosting the games and on the potential master plan, as well as to make key site visits. 

The dialogue phase also involved preparing feasibility reports on existing indoor multi-purpose arenas, potential sites for outdoor festivals, temporary facilities and accommodation solutions.

Despite the fact that evaluation committee, which was  chaired by IOC vice-president, Uğur Erdener, has made the recommendation, the host country will be elected at the  upcoming 133rd IOC Session to be held in Argentina in October.

Meanwhile, a press release from International Olympic Committee says all four candidates had shown capability of delivering successful Youth Olympic Games.

“Botswana, the smallest of the four candidate countries, proposed a compelling project based in the capital Gaborone that would help achieve the country’s long-term vision for young people and sport. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, proposed a very solid and compact project in the capital Abuja, a project also fully aligned with the national sports and youth strategy.  Tunisia presented a robust project involving Tunis, La Soukra, Radès and the seaside tourist resort of Yasmine-Hammamet,” says the release. 

Furthermore, it says in taking its decision, the IOC Evaluation Board recognised that Senegal offers a strong project and the greatest opportunities at this moment in time.

It says the candidature is centred on three locations: the capital city, Dakar; the new city of Diamniadio; and the coastal resort of Saly. Senegal’s project is tied in with the West African country’s overarching development strategy, notably the national government’s. 

Africa, it says is the home of many successful and prominent Olympic athletes and continent of youth, hence they want to take the Youth Olympic Games 2022 to Africa and to Senegal. 

“They have offered a project based on a strong vision for youth and sport. There are many opportunities, and we will endeavour to deliver together, as part of a strong partnership, visionary, responsible and inspiring Youth Games”, says the release. ENDS