Samsung is set to play a significant role in the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The Games will mark the first Olympic event hosted on African soil, featuring over 2,700 young athletes from 207 countries.
As part of its commitment as a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, Samsung has announced a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing the experience for athletes and spectators alike. This initiative will focus on integrating mobile innovation, athlete support, and community engagement activities both inside and outside the competition venues.
“The Youth Olympic Games represent an important stage in a young athlete’s journey, where competition, connection and personal growth come together,” said Stephanie Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Brand Centre at Samsung Electronics. “At Dakar 2026, we are committed to bringing the Games to more people and enriching the experience for the athletes who take part through purposeful Galaxy innovation and programs designed around their needs.”
Building on innovations from previous Olympic Games, Samsung will introduce its latest Galaxy devices into competition coverage at Dakar 2026 for the first time. The Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphones will be utilized alongside traditional broadcast cameras in sports like skateboarding and taekwondo, enhancing viewer engagement through closer athlete perspectives and vertical video formats tailored for a mobile-first audience.
The company also plans to launch the Olympic Victory Selfie program, allowing medal winners to capture and share celebratory moments using specially designed Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition devices. This program has become a hallmark of recent Olympic events, offering athletes a personal way to commemorate their achievements.
Beyond competition, Samsung is establishing the Samsung Open Station in the Youth Olympic Village. This venue will serve as a creative community space where athletes can unwind, network, and reflect on their experiences. Highlights within the space will include interactive activities such as:
- Victory Talk: Athletes can record short videos about their journeys and aspirations.
- Victory Wall: A place for competitors to create personalized Olympic-themed digital art.
- Victory Photo Zone: Designed to emulate the excitement of stepping on the medal podium.
- Community Lounge: Encouraging friendship and cultural exchange among athletes.
- Beyond the Medal: A mentoring program featuring Olympians giving insights on life after sports.
Samsung’s outreach will extend beyond the athletes’ village. The company plans public engagement campaigns, consumer experience zones, and retail activations throughout Senegal to foster local excitement about the Games. Initiatives will include opportunities for fans to engage with Galaxy technology and partake in interactive sports challenges, alongside city-wide collector’s pin programs and special in-store promotions.
The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar not only present a major sporting event but also an opportunity for Africa to showcase its organizational capabilities and burgeoning talent to the world. As Senegal prepares for this historic occasion, Samsung’s expanded role underscores the growing intersection of technology and sports, enriching the Olympic movement and empowering the next generation of athletes.
