Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye granted a comprehensive interview to *Le Soleil* ahead of the first Youth Olympic Games to be held on the African continent. Reflecting on his childhood, President Faye recalls watching the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in Ndiaganiao, captivated by the long jump competition between Carl Lewis and Mike Powell – a moment that sparked his early interest in sports. He views the Dakar 2026 Games as a national duty and a project inherited with a strategic three-phase approach: place, industry, and voice. President Faye emphasizes that the success of Dakar 2026 will be measured not just by the event itself, but by its lasting impact on Senegal’s youth, hoping it will inspire a new generation, particularly young Senegalese women. He discussed personal anecdotes, his vision for Africa, and issued a call to action for the young people of Senegal, promising a transparent and open administration. The Games are scheduled to open on October 31st at the Diamniadio stadium.