Samsung Electronics is introducing new mobile technology integrations at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, leveraging its status as a Worldwide Olympic Partner to support young athletes in Senegal. The event, running from October 31 to November 13, brings together more than 2,700 competitors from 207 countries across 25 sports. This edition holds a historic distinction as the first Olympic sporting event to take place on the African continent.
Galaxy S26 Ultra in Skateboarding and Taekwondo
Building on sports technology trials at the Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026 Games, Samsung is now incorporating Galaxy S26 Ultra devices into official broadcast coverage. The smartphones are being used alongside traditional cameras in skateboarding and taekwondo events to capture handheld, close-up, and vertical perspectives. This approach allows production teams to complement standard broadcast angles with more intimate, mobile-driven shots.
The deployment serves as a testing ground for Samsung as it explores how mobile technology can enhance future Olympic experiences. The company is using data and feedback from Dakar 2026 to refine these applications ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Victory Selfie and Athlete Engagement
The Olympic Victory Selfie program is making its debut at the Youth Olympic Games. Originally introduced at Paris 2024, the initiative allows medalists to capture personal celebration moments using Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition devices. The program focuses on athlete expression, enabling competitors to share their achievements with friends, family, and global supporters in a more informal format than traditional podium photography.
Inside the Youth Olympic Village, Samsung has established an Open Station designed to provide a relaxed environment for athletes. The space, inspired by Dakar’s coastal setting, features interactive activities that allow competitors to connect with peers from other nations. These areas are intended to help athletes step away from competition pressures while exploring Galaxy technology and reflecting on their personal journeys.
Stephanie Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Brand Center at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to the Youth Olympic Games, which dates back to the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010. She stated that the company aims to bring the Games to more people through purposeful innovation tailored to athlete needs.
Community Activations in Senegal
Beyond the competition venues, Samsung is extending its presence into local communities across Senegal. The company is launching out-of-home campaigns in key locations in Dakar and setting up consumer experience zones. These zones allow fans to interact with Galaxy technology, participate in AI-powered sports challenges, and create Olympic-inspired content.
Retail partners in Senegal are also involved through special Galaxy offers and in-store activations. A citywide pin program will encourage residents to visit Samsung locations and engage with the Games. These efforts align with Samsung’s strategy to support the Olympic Movement through both athlete-facing programs and broader public engagement.
Source: Samsung
