The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are underway, with Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) having helped the Australian Youth Olympic Team prepare for a safe, fair and positive Games experience.
Held in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 October to 13 November 2026, Dakar 2026 is the first Olympic event hosted on the African continent.
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Before departing, athletes attended the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) Champ Camp at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast.
SIA worked with the AOC to deliver tailored integrity education through practical and engaging activities.
One exciting part of the Games preparation was SIA‘s collaboration with the AOC to create a bespoke journal supporting athletes throughout their Games journey.
The journal includes clean sport guidance, reflection activities, key contacts and advice on anti-doping, supplements and medications, safe and respectful sport, and reporting integrity concerns.
It also features messages of support from SIA CEO Dr Sarah Benson, Australian Youth Olympic Team Chef de Mission Kenny Wallace OLY and members of the AOC Athletes’ Commission.
Athletes received the journals at Champ Camp, along with stickers featuring their sports, WinWell branding and key integrity messages. They quickly began completing the activities and decorating their water bottles.
Commission member and 4-time Olympian Anabelle Smith, who has kept journals throughout her sporting career, welcomed the collaboration.
A big thanks to Sport Integrity Australia for the journals for the Youth Olympic athletes going over to Dakar. I’m sure, for some of them, it will be the start of their journalling journey.
– Anabelle Smith, AOC Athletes’ Commission member & 4-time Olympian
SIA and the AOC, with support from IOC Athlete Solidarity funding, also co-funded a tailored theatre sports session.
The interactive scenarios explored the anti-doping testing process, media engagement, speaking up, navigating challenging situations, and the behaviours that contribute to safe and positive sporting environments.
Athletes performed and improvised scenarios before reflecting on what they had observed and learned. The format encouraged participation, laughter and valuable conversations during and after the session.
AOC Integrity lead Bronwen Knox OLY said the session generated “amazing feedback” and conversations that continued after it ended, praising the work and attention to detail behind the activity.
A highlight was hearing athletes share their experiences and advice with teammates. Members of the AOC Athletes’ Commission also shared their experiences of anti-doping and challenging situations they had navigated in their careers and the lessons they had learned.
As the team competes in Dakar, the preparation delivered pre-event and at the Champ Camp will help athletes recognise integrity risks, make informed decisions and know where to seek support throughout their Games experience.