JO’TALI 2026
Inspiring A Generation.
A community legacy pathway carrying the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games (Dakar 2026) beyond the official venues, into the lives, stories and leadership of young people and communities across Senegal.
JO’TALI is an independent community initiative.
A global youth event. An African first. A Senegalese opportunity.
Youth Olympic Games
Bring together 2,700 young global athletes with sport, culture and education at the heart of the experience.
A First for the Continent
Dakar 2026 will take place from October 31 – November 13, 2026 across 3 host zones – Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
JO’TALI
Reaches Senegal’s rural youth through a historic Olympic moment. A Tostan community initiative alongside Dakar 2026.
JO’TALI means ‘reach’ in Wolof. Echoing the values of Dakar 2026, JO’TALI reflects Tostan’s model of community-led development with youth at the center.
A Nation of Youth meets an Olympic first.
While 50% of Senegal’s population is under 19 years of age, many young people especially girls do not have the access or opportunities to participate in sports or experience the Games. Yet their perspectives matter to the future of their communities and their country.
JO’TALI helps this national moment become a community experience.
Sources: ANSD / IOC
Senegalese citizens are under 19
are under 35
Olympic event hosted in Africa
to inspire a generation
The spotlight is in host zones. The opportunity is nationwide.
Youth Olympic Games (Dakar 2026)
- The Official Olympic Games concentrated in Dakar’s host zones
- World-class athletes on the world stage
- Youth largely experience it as spectators
The Community Legacy
- Extends reach to 50 rural communities
- Young people are organizers, participants, leaders and storytellers
- Bridges the gap and offers participation, agency and belonging
The Games happen in 3 zones.
JO’TALI’s inspiration and footprint is nationwide.
JO’TALI is designed to connect Dakar 2026 to 50 communities through Tostan’s networks.
Sport as a Gateway to Leadership
JO’TALI uses sport as an entry point for learning, dialogue and community engagement.
A football match becomes a space to explore fairness, inclusion, teamwork, leadership and collectively agreed rules.
Cultural activities, community events and youth-led discussions create safe spaces to explore the issues that matter to young people while strengthening relationships across generations.
Co‑create.
Connect.
Activate.
Each phase serves a distinct purpose. The community activations will come after the Games, building upon the preparation, connection and momentum generated from this historic event.
Building on the legacy of Africa's Olympic pioneers
Amadou Dia Ba · Senegal
Amadou Dia Ba won Senegal’s first Olympic medal, silver in the 400m hurdles at Seoul 1988.
Nawal El Moutawakel · Morocco
In 1984, she became the first African, Arab, and Muslim woman to win Olympic gold.
JO’TALI will bring the inspiration, hope and opportunity of this historic moment to young people across Senegal that will extend beyond Dakar 2026.