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<\/a><\/p>\nDante Akira Uwai, the winner of the Gangwon 2024 medal design competition, shared how the experience transformed both his career and perspective. \u201cA lot has changed since Gangwon. Many opportunities have opened up to me thanks to the medal design competition, especially for my career. But the most important change was internal, realising the transformative power of both art and sport,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The jury for Dakar 2026 includes IOC officials, young leaders, past medal designers, reporters, and ambassadors, who will review and rank submissions before making recommendations to the IOC Executive Board. The reverse side of the medal will be developed by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and will integrate Senegalese cultural elements alongside the official YOG emblem, highlighting the country\u2019s rich heritage.<\/p>\n
Read also:\u00a0AWIEF awards 2025 finalists: Honoring the power of women driving innovation, equality, and green growth across Africa<\/a><\/p>\n Since the Singapore 2010 YOG, the obverse medal design competition has become a platform for young artists worldwide to contribute to Olympic history. Past winners have come from countries including Slovakia, Romania, Indonesia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Japan, demonstrating the Games\u2019 power to unite diverse cultures through art and sport.<\/p>\n Uwai reflected on his experience: \u201cOne thing I thought about constantly was the athlete receiving the medal. What do I want them to feel? What memories should the medal evoke decades later?\u201d He described the moment his design was awarded as \u201cvery, very emotional,\u201d underscoring the deep connection between creative expression and sporting achievement.<\/p>\n The Dakar 2026 YOG will be held from 31 October over two weeks across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The Games will bring together the world\u2019s best young athletes, all under 17, offering a platform for talent development while promoting cultural exchange, unity, and sustainability.<\/p>\n With this initiative, the IOC not only celebrates sport but also highlights the transformative potential of design and cultural storytelling. For Senegal and the African continent, the medals of Dakar 2026 will symbolize more than athletic excellence, they will showcase creativity, heritage, and the continent\u2019s growing presence on the global stage.<\/p>\n Read more bout the call and submit your design,\u00a0here<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rayscohosting.best\/ASM\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Academy-Website-ads-4.png\")
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