Mustafa Braff, President of the Association of African National Olympic Committees (ACNOA) and member of the International Olympic Committee, confirmed that the year 2026 will be a pivotal and historic year that will be immortalized in the records of the African Olympic and sports movement, and will constitute a real turning point in the path of sports development on the continent level.
President Braff explained that the year’s program includes multiple strategic milestones, the most prominent of which are: strengthening the partnership with the Asian National Olympic Committees, launching the first batch of the Federation’s sports diplomacy program in Hungary, intensifying athletes’ preparation programs and allocating scholarships to support potential candidates to shine in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The year will also witness the organization of high-level specialized forums, including a forum on artificial intelligence in June, and another on athletes’ health in July, with the most prominent event culminating in Senegal hosting the Youth Olympic Games (Dakar 2026), starting on October 31, 2026.
Braff considered that the Dakar 2026 tournament will be a compelling proof of Africa’s ability to organize major sporting events with high professionalism and remarkable distinction, stressing that it will constitute the continent’s face to the world, and a golden opportunity to highlight its organizational competencies and promising human energies.
He added: “Africa has always suffered from underestimation of its organizational capabilities, but the year 2026 will be a decisive stage in proving its position as a major and influential player in the global Olympic movement, not only thanks to its distinguished athletes, but also to its strategic vision and ambitious leadership.”
The President of ACNOA concluded his statement by emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity among all African National Olympic Committees, saying: “The success of any African Olympic Committee is a success for the entire continent, and the brilliance of any African athlete is a radiance for all of Africa. When Africa is united and believes in its true potential, nothing can hinder its path towards leadership and excellence.”
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