By Our Reporter
SanlamAllianz Group has been named the Official Insurance Partner of the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, which began on October 31 and will run until November 13 in Senegal.
The event marks a historic milestone as the first Olympic sporting competition to be hosted on African soil, bringing together some of the world’s most promising young athletes.
The partnership underscores SanlamAllianz’s commitment to supporting young Africans, promoting sporting excellence and contributing to the development of the continent through opportunities that inspire the next generation.
Speaking on the partnership, SanlamAllianz CEO, Hennie Nel, said the group was proud to support young Africans who are determined to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges and shape the future.
“As the Official Insurer and Sponsor of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, SanlamAllianz is proud to support a generation of young Africans who dare to dream, challenge themselves and shape the future. This partnership reflects our commitment to being the partner that helps Africa’s youth protect their dreams and unlock their potential,” Nel said.
He noted that the Games provide an opportunity to bring young people together from across the continent, celebrating Africa’s diversity, shared aspirations and collective progress.
According to him, SanlamAllianz remains committed to helping create a future defined by opportunities, security and confidence for the continent’s younger generation.
The Dakar 2026 competition programme features 25 sports, with an additional 10 disciplines included in a special engagement programme aimed at encouraging interest and participation in sports among young people in Senegal and the wider region.
A total of 153 events will be staged, comprising 72 women’s events, 72 men’s events and seven mixed events.
The Games will also achieve complete gender parity for the first time in the history of the Summer Youth Olympic Games, with approximately 2,700 athletes participating across all sports, disciplines and events.
Another historic feature of this edition is the participation of a refugee team made up of athletes selected from different parts of Africa.
Senegal was selected to host the Games during the 133rd Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 8, 2018.
The Dakar 2026 Games are designed not only to showcase sporting talent but also to serve as a catalyst for transformation across Africa, promoting inclusion, solidarity, self-improvement and excellence.