DAKAR, Senegal (Apr 15, 2025) – World Taekwondo officially kicked off the second Olympic Solidarity Taekwondo Camp in Senegal. The April 15–23 program, funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), aims to develop young African talent through training, with long-term objectives including potential participation in events for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and LA 2028.
Following the success of last year's inaugural camp, the 2025 edition brought together around 36 young athletes and 9 national team coaches from Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Kenya, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan and Gambia. Participants will receive intensive training from the World Taekwondo instructors with a strong emphasis on the values of respect, discipline, and international friendship.
A comprehensive coach education session took place on the first day, led by experienced WT instructors. The session covered a range of important topics including mental control, imagery training, crisis response strategies, and effective athlete training methodologies. This initiative aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participating coaches for the benefit of their athletes, contributing to the overall development of Taekwondo in the region.
This year’s program also includes a Virtual Taekwondo Competition Day, offering participants a chance to experience the sport in an innovative format. Virtual Taekwondo is being considered for future inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games.
The camp is further supported by KPNP, which generously provided official training shirts for all participants, contributing to a strong sense of team identity and spirit.
World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue shared a message of support: “We are proud to continue this initiative that not only nurtures athletic talent but also promotes the Olympic spirit and cultural understanding. Last year’s camp was a great success, and we are excited to expand our impact this year. I send my warmest regards to all the participants and organizers who are making this meaningful project a reality.”
The Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSS) Secretary General Mr. Omar Diagne delivered a welcome speech during the opening ceremony, thanking World Taekwondo and Olympic Solidarity for this event. He emphasized its role in developing young African athletes and reaffirmed CNOSS’s support, expressing hope to see many of them succeed at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The opening ceremony, held at the Senegal National Arena, was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Omar Diagne and delegates from the Senegalese Taekwondo Federation. They praised World Taekwondo’s ongoing commitment to youth development and international cooperation.
The Olympic Solidarity Taekwondo Camp is organized in partnership with the African Taekwondo Union and Senegalese Taekwondo Federation and supported by the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity program, which assists athletes and coaches—particularly in developing nations—through sport-based development.
