IOC pauses 2030 Youth Games host process as review continues

The International Olympic Committee has paused the process for choosing a host for the 2030 Summer Youth Olympic Games while it assesses the competition’s purpose, President Kirsty Coventry said as the Dakar Games concluded on November 13. She gave no timetable for a decision on the event’s future.

The IOC Executive Board announced the pause on May 7, saying it was reassessing the Games’ objectives. Coventry said the organization was still analysing the event and would add information from Dakar to its review, including how best to engage young people through the Olympic movement.

The Dakar Games brought together nearly 2,700 competitors from 204 national Olympic committees. Senegal became the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event. The competition, staged in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, ended after two weeks; the final competitions and closing ceremony took place on November 13.

Coventry praised Senegal’s organization, saying expectations had been exceeded and the Games had demonstrated Africa’s ability to host major sporting events. She also said that around 15% of Youth Olympic participants go on to compete in the Olympic Games, describing the proportion as...