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Samsung Brings Galaxy Tech to Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

As a Worldwide Olympic Partner, Samsung Electronics is introducing Galaxy innovations and athlete-focused programs to the historic Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, marking the first time an Olympic event is held on the African continent.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: November 2, 2026 · Updated: November 2, 2026 · 4 min read

Samsung Brings Galaxy Tech to Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games — Image: Samsung Global Newsroom

Bringing Galaxy Innovation to Dakar 2026

Samsung Electronics, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, has announced the deployment of Galaxy technology and athlete-centered programming for the Youth Olympic Games <a href="https://www.olympics.com/en/dakar-2026">Dakar 2026</a>. Taking place in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, the event brings together more than 2,700 young athletes from 207 countries competing across 25 sports.

This year marks a historic milestone as the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent. Building on nearly four decades of involvement within the Olympic Movement dating back to Singapore 2010, <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-champions-young-olympians-at-dakar-2026-first-ever-olympic-event-on-african-continent">Samsung Global Newsroom</a> reported that the company aims to enrich the journey of young competitors during this critical stage of their athletic careers.

Stephanie Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Brand Center at Samsung Electronics, emphasized that the Youth Olympic Games represent a vital stage where competition, connection, and personal growth converge. Through purposeful Galaxy innovation, the company seeks to bring the Games closer to broader audiences and support participating athletes.

Enhancing Broadcasts with the Galaxy S26 Ultra

Having previously introduced sports technology integrations at Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026, Samsung is now integrating these innovations into the <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/tag/youth-olympic-games">Youth Olympic Games</a> for the very first time.

Advanced <a href="https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s26-ultra/">Galaxy S26 Ultra</a> devices are actively incorporated into skateboarding and taekwondo coverage alongside traditional broadcast cameras. This integration enables handheld, close-up, and vertical perspectives that complement standard production setups.

According to the company, <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/tag/dakar-2026">Dakar 2026</a> serves as an essential testing ground to explore how mobile technology can continue to support future Games experiences on the road to the LA28 Games.

Victory Selfie Debut at the Youth Olympic Games

The iconic <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/tag/victory-selfie">Victory Selfie</a> program is making its Youth Olympic Games debut, extending a tradition that began at Paris 2024 to capture genuine athlete celebration and emotional expression.

Utilizing specialized <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/tag/galaxy-z-flip7-olympic-edition">Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition</a> devices, medalists across multiple disciplines can commemorate their podium moments during medal ceremonies. These activations give athletes a personal way to preserve their achievements and share them instantly with friends, family, and supporters worldwide.

Samsung Open Station and Athlete Programs

Inside the Youth Olympic Village, the Samsung Open Station provides a welcoming environment where athletes can relax away from competition, interact with global peers, and explore mobile tools. Inspired by the coastal environment of Dakar, the venue features several interactive zones.

Activities include Victory Talk, allowing athletes to record short-form videos regarding their Games experience; Victory Wall, where participants transform photos into personalized posters using Galaxy devices; and the Victory Photo Zone, which replicates the podium experience.

Additionally, the Community Lounge offers a social space featuring a Dakar-themed mobile skateboarding game and device tips. Mentoring sessions titled Beyond the Medal further connect young athletes with experienced Olympians and IOC Athlete Role Models.

Community Engagement Across Senegal

Beyond the competition venues, Samsung is extending the excitement of the Games across local communities in Senegal through digital, retail, and out-of-home campaigns. Public advertising highlights Dakar 2026 throughout key locations in Dakar.

Consumer experience zones allow local fans to engage with <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/category/products/mobile">Mobile</a> technology, participate in interactive sports and AI-powered challenges, and experience the spirit of the Games firsthand.

Samsung is also collaborating with domestic retail partners on special offers, in-store activations, and a citywide pin program across <a href="https://news.samsung.com/global/category/press-resources/press-release">Press Releases</a> updates to encourage public participation throughout the host city.