Road to Dakar programme's last stop was held before the Youth Olympics, bringing together 35 wrestlers who participated in the Beach Wrestling competition in Dakar.
DAKAR, Senegal (November 11) -- The Road to Dakar programme was designed to help wrestlers reach their goals at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
For the final stage of the programme, 35 wrestlers participated in a special international acclimatization camp ahead of the Youth Olympics' Beach Wrestling competition on November 7 and 8. This gathering represented the final stage of the continental programme, a development and preparation initiative that supported young wrestlers through various regional tournaments organised in the lead-up to the Games.
Following several months of competitions, training and support activities across the African continent, this final stage aimed to bring athletes and their coaches together in an international environment to finalise their sporting preparation, facilitate their acclimatization to local conditions and help them make the most of their Olympic experience.
The participants of the camp showed their skills on the sand and won multiple medals, including five winning gold medals and becoming Youth Olympic champions in Dakar.
Held from October 30 to November 5, the camp combined technical and tactical preparation with educational activities, cultural experiences and opportunities for international exchange. Apart from the 35 wrestlers, the camp also included 20 coaches, five National Federation representatives and seven members of the United World Wrestling team.
The diversity of the delegations also encouraged the sharing of experiences and strengthened relationships between stakeholders involved in the development of wrestling at the international level.
Training sessions took place on the beaches surrounding the Savana Dakar Hotel, allowing athletes to prepare in conditions similar to those they would experience during competition. The programme included technical training, simulated matches, tactical exercises and recovery sessions.
Beyond sporting preparation, education and personal development were central to the camp. Five-time Olympic champion Mijain LOPEZ (CUB) and Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) served as role models and sources of inspiration for the young athletes.
Participants also took part in several sessions focused on Olympic values, fair play, respect and athletes’ responsibilities. A session on leadership and the role of young athletes as role models was also conducted, reminding participants that they represent not only their countries, but also the values of their sport and the Olympic Movement.
A cultural visit to Gorée Island provided an opportunity to discover an important part of Senegal's history and heritage.
The camp concluded with the delegations moving into the Olympic Village on November 5, marking the transition from preparation to competition.
The opportunity to train and exchange experiences with athletes and coaches from around the world was widely appreciated.
"Many thanks to the entire team! I take with me a wonderful experience and memories that will remain in my heart!” said Felipe PACHAS, coach from Peru.
Luis FORCELLEDO, coach of Namibia, also praised the organisation. “I want to thank you for this opportunity we had to train together in this training camp which was very well organized."
This acclimatization camp represented much more than a simple gathering ahead of the Games. It marked the culmination of a development process launched through the “Road to Dakar” programme, whose regional tournaments helped mobilise national federations, provide young athletes with competitive opportunities and strengthen the capacities of technical stakeholders.
The continuity between regional competitions, preparation activities and this international camp demonstrates the importance of a structured approach to supporting young talents on their journey to the highest level.
The programme also provided opportunities for coaches to exchange knowledge, promote good practices and pass on essential values for the development of future champions.
Through this initiative, UWW reaffirms the importance of investing in young people, developing national structures and promoting wrestling as a tool for education, cooperation and sporting development.
The success of this international acclimatization camp was also made possible by the outstanding work of the Senegalese Wrestling Federation (FSL).
In close collaboration with UWW teams, the host federation provided essential support in logistical, organisational and operational matters. From welcoming the delegations and coordinating activities to providing facilities and ensuring the participants’ daily support, its commitment played a major role in the smooth running of this international gathering.
This mobilisation demonstrates the organisational expertise of the Senegalese Wrestling Federation and its ability to host international sporting activities as part of a major event such as the Youth Olympic Games.
UWW wishes to acknowledge and commend the commitment of the FSL, whose contribution was an essential element in the success of this camp.
