Samsung Electronics, a longstanding Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, announced its strategic initiative to integrate Galaxy technology and athlete-focused programming into the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, aiming to elevate the young athletes’ experience at this pivotal stage of their sporting careers.
Historic Event on the African Continent
Scheduled to occur in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, Dakar 2026 will unite over 2,700 young athletes from 207 countries across 25 sports disciplines. Notably, this event represents the first Olympic sporting event hosted on the African continent. Samsung, drawing on nearly 40 years of involvement with the Olympic Movement, is committed to bolstering its support for the Youth Olympic Games, following its origins at the Singapore 2010 Games.
Samsung’s Technological Integration
Samsung is deploying its advanced Galaxy S26 Ultra devices for event coverage in skateboarding and taekwondo, complementing traditional broadcast methods with dynamic handheld and vertical perspectives. This initiative marks the debut of these innovations at the Youth Olympic Games, following successful integrations at Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026. This venture also serves as a learning platform for future implementations, including at the LA28 Games.
Victory Selfie Program
The Olympic Victory Selfie, which debuted at Paris 2024, is being introduced to the Youth Olympics in Dakar, focusing on enhancing athletes’ personal connections and emotional expression. Using the Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, medalists can capture their triumphs in Victory Selfie activations, creating shareable memories with a global audience.
Enriching the Athlete Experience
Located within the Youth Olympic Village, the Samsung Open Station offers athletes a space to relax, connect, and explore self-expression through Galaxy technology. The station embraces Dakar’s coastal theme and includes interactive activities designed to celebrate individuality and commemorate athletes’ journeys. Features include:
- Victory Talk: Short-form video capturing athletes’ reflections on their Games experience and aspirations.
- Victory Wall: Transform personal photos into Olympic-themed art using Galaxy devices.
- Victory Photo Zone: Capture podium moments to recreate medal ceremony excitement.
- Community Lounge: Social space for athlete interaction, mobile gaming, and device personalization.
- Mentoring Session: Guidance from Olympians on life beyond competition.
Community Engagement and Samsung’s Legacy
Extending the Games’ excitement beyond the stadiums, Samsung fosters community engagement across Senegal with media, retail, and consumer activations. These initiatives include out-of-home campaigns and consumer experiences, allowing local communities to engage with Galaxy technology and Olympic moments. Samsung’s retail initiatives, including special offers and pin programs, encourage exploration of Dakar 2026 festivities throughout the city.
As a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the 1998 Nagano Winter Games, Samsung continues to leverage its innovative technology in the wireless communications and computing equipment space, incorporating AI, virtual reality, augmented reality, and 5G, to redefine the Olympic Games experience globally. Samsung’s enduring commitment to the Youth Olympic Games since Singapore 2010 continues at Dakar 2026, fostering the next generation of athletes to connect and share their Olympic stories.