GAMES
The first Youth Olympic Games in Africa
The Youth Olympic Games will return with a landmark edition in Dakar, Senegal — the first Olympic event to be held on the African continent. Taking place from 31 October to 13 November, the Games will bring together the world’s best young athletes in a celebration of sport, culture and learning.
More than competition, Dakar represents a global moment for youth sport, uniting a new generation through shared experience, ambition and values.
For Team Ireland, the Youth Olympic Games are an opportunity to showcase the Best of Us – athletes who represent our future, our potential and our ambition on the international stage, while gaining valuable experience on the Olympic pathway
DAKAR 2026 SELECTION POLICIES
The Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI), as Ireland’s recognised National Olympic Committee, is responsible for the final selection of all athletes to Team Ireland for Dakar 2026.
The policies below set out clearly how that process works – from nomination by each National Federation through to final selection by the OFI. All sport-specific policies should be read alongside the official IOC and International Federation qualification principles and eligibility criteria for each sport, which take precedence. These policies will be updated in line with any changes to the official Dakar 2026 qualification process as published by the IOC.
IRELAND'S HISTORICAL ATTENDANCE AT THE YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES
EDITION | COMPETITION TYPE | MEN | WOMEN | TOTAL |
Gangwon 2024 | Winter Youth Olympic Games | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Lausanne 2020 | Winter Youth Olympic Games | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Beunos Aires 2018 | Summer Youth Olympic Games | 5 | 11 | 16 |
Lillehammer 2016 | Winter Youth Olympic Games | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Nanjing 2014 | Summer Youth Olympic Games | 7 | 9 | 16 |
Innsbruck 2012 | Winter Youth Olympic Games | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Singapore 2010 | Summer Youth Olympic Games | 4 | 21 | 25 |