IOC President Kirsty Coventry joins beach volleyball athletes at the historic Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry experienced the vibrant atmosphere of beach volleyball at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, joining young athletes at Saly Beach West as they compete for gold at the first-ever Olympic sporting event held in Africa.
During the visit, President Coventry met with young athletes and members of the local volleyball community, marking a monumental milestone for the Olympic Movement on the African continent, according to information published by fivb.
The high-profile visit highlights the strategic focus on youth opportunity, development, and long-lasting legacy, bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes in Senegal for unprecedented international sports competition.
Kirsty Coventry visits Saly Beach West
At the venue, President Coventry was warmly welcomed by FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, alongside CAVB President Bouchra Hajij and FIVB Athletes Commission member Doaa Elghobashy from Egypt, who serves as a Dakar 2026 Athlete Role Model.
The gathering emphasized the collaborative effort between international sports governing bodies to foster athletic excellence and promote youth engagement through beach volleyball at the Youth Olympic Games.
African development pathway in beach volleyball
For beach volleyball, the journey to Dakar began in Senegal well before the first official ball was served at the Youth Olympic Games, establishing a robust regional development framework.
In August, Saly hosted the second CAVB Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup through a successful collaboration between the FIVB and Olympic Solidarity as part of the broader Youth Athlete Development Programme.
Volleyball Empowerment supports Olympic teams
That foundational event brought together the African teams qualified for Dakar 2026 on the exact same sand where they are currently competing for medals, ensuring optimal preparation for the tournament.
The wider FIVB development pathway is prominently visible across the Dakar 2026 field, with 31 of the 48 participating boys and girls teams representing National Federations supported through Volleyball Empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the IOC President visiting Dakar 2026?
The IOC President visiting the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is Kirsty Coventry, who joined young beach volleyball athletes at Saly Beach West in Senegal.
Where are the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games taking place?
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are taking place in Senegal, marking the first-ever Olympic sporting event held on the African continent.
How many teams are supported by Volleyball Empowerment at Dakar 2026?
A total of 31 out of the 48 participating boys and girls beach volleyball teams at Dakar 2026 represent National Federations supported through Volleyball Empowerment.
Who welcomed IOC President Kirsty Coventry at the venue?
President Kirsty Coventry was welcomed by FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, CAVB President Bouchra Hajij, and FIVB Athletes Commission member Doaa Elghobashy.
