Have you ever dreamed of your artwork being seen by the whole world? Well, here’s your chance. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a global medal design competition for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics Games. And yes, anyone can enter!
Be the Artist Behind the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics Medals, All Details Below:
The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are heading to Dakar, Senegal, in 2026, the very first Olympic event to be hosted in Africa. To celebrate this milestone, the IOC wants a fresh, creative medal design, and they’re asking the world to help.
Your design could be the one that the athletes wear when they win gold, silver, or bronze.
How to Enter the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Medal Design Contest
- Dates: The contest is open from 2 September to 7 October 2025.
- Where: Submissions are made on the official website here.
- Task: You need to design ONLY the front side of the medal.
PS: The back will feature Senegalese culture and the official YOG emblem.
To Win, Your Design Should:
- Be creative and original
- Connect with the spirit of the Youth Olympics (youth, unity, energy, and sport)
- Be practical – something that can actually be made into a medal
- Include the required text: ‘Dakar 2026 – Youth Olympic Games’, and the official Olympic rings.
- Come with a short description explaining what your design means.
Who Decides The Winner?
A special jury will look at all entries. It includes past winners, IOC Young Leaders, Senegalese representatives, and even Elzo Jamdong, the Dakar 2026 ambassador. They will pick the best design and pass it to the IOC Executive Board for approval.
Quick tips if you want to try
- Think about the feeling of victory. What should the medal remind athletes of every time they see it?
- Keep it simple but powerful. Too many tiny details might not show well on a medal.
- Get inspired by Senegalese patterns, colours, and symbols, but make it your own.
- Don’t forget the rules. If you miss a mandatory element, your design could be out.
Stay tuned to The Junior Age for more updates!
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