Breaking takes shape in Dakar as WDSF advances preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games
Representatives from the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and the Breaking Division have completed a comprehensive four-day visit to Dakar, Senegal, as part of the ongoing preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where Breaking will once again take its place on the Olympic stage after its debut at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The visit brought together WDSF working closely with the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee to review venue development, operational planning, and the overall competition experience for athletes, officials, and spectators.
A venue coming to life in Dakar
At the heart of the visit was the Complex Tour de l’Œuf (CTO), the future home of Breaking during the Youth Olympic Games. The site, which will also host additional disciplines including FIBA’s 3x3 basketball, is progressively taking shape as a multi-sport Olympic hub.
While still in an early construction phase, the delegation observed clear progress on site and a strong sense of direction guiding the transformation of the space into a dynamic competition environment.
Temporary Breaking facilities will be installed over a newly prepared field of play, while a distinctive canopy structure will serve both a functional and symbolic role, remaining as a long-term legacy element of the Games alongside new landscaped areas designed for future sporting use.
“The complex will remain as a lasting legacy of the Youth Olympic Games for the city of Dakar, ensuring that this space continues to serve sport and the community long after the event,” said Diana Simarro, WDSF Project Officer.
Building the framework for Olympic Breaking
Across a series of working sessions, WDSF representatives and the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee aligned on key operational pillars of the event, including accommodation, accreditation, transportation, and competition services.
Technical discussions also focused on the evolving design of the competition environment, ensuring that the venue supports both the athletic integrity of Breaking and the overall flow of the event.
From field of play configuration to athlete movement and competition scheduling, the focus is now shifting from concept to execution.
“We are seeing clear progress in the venue development and in the operational planning across all key areas,” said Sergey Nifontov, WDSF General Secretary. “The focus now is on ensuring smooth athlete flow and a high-quality competition environment that meets the requirements of the Youth Olympic Games.”
Local energy and global standards
As part of the visit, WDSF also delivered training sessions for local volunteers and officials, reinforcing capacity building and knowledge transfer ahead of the Games.
Led by Diana Simarro, the volunteer workshop brought together a highly engaged group of young participants, many of whom are active B-Boys and B-Girls from Senegal and neighbouring countries. Their commitment to the sport and to the success of the event was evident throughout the sessions.
“The commitment of the volunteers was truly remarkable,” said Simarro. “Many travelled hundreds of kilometres just to take part in the training.”
In parallel, Max Oliveira led technical education sessions for judges and officials, focusing on competition systems, judging protocols, and the operational standards required for Breaking at Olympic level.
“The visit confirmed a very solid level of progress on site and a clear ambition from the Organising Committee,” said Oliveira. “The venue provides a strong foundation, and now our focus is on refining all technical and operational elements to deliver Breaking at the highest level.”
Dakar: a city of contrasts and ambition
Beyond the competition venue, the delegation experienced Dakar as a city defined by contrast, energy, and rapid transformation.
Modern infrastructure stands alongside fast-developing urban areas, reflecting both the challenges and the dynamism of a host city preparing to welcome the Youth Olympic Games. Across all engagements, WDSF representatives also noted the strong presence of local expertise and leadership contributing to the delivery of the project.
Across all meetings and site visits, one message remained consistent: strong collaboration between WDSF, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee, and IOC stakeholders will be essential in the final stages of preparation.
Key next steps include continued refinement of operational systems, finalisation of venue configurations, and ongoing engagement with the global and local Breaking communities in the lead-up to the Games.
“While there is still work ahead, this visit confirmed a strong and committed foundation for the delivery of Breaking at the Youth Olympic Games,” said Max Oliveira, WDSF Breaking Division Core Group Member.
Looking ahead to Dakar 2026
WDSF President Shawn Tay welcomed the progress achieved during the visit and reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to delivering an outstanding Breaking competition in Dakar:
“Breaking continues to evolve as a global sport with a unique cultural identity and powerful youth appeal. The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar represent an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generation and showcase the full energy and creativity of our sport. WDSF is fully committed to working with all partners to deliver an event that reflects excellence, inclusivity, and the Olympic spirit.”
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