Cayman Islands Olympic Committee Announces Team for Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026

The Cayman Islands Olympic Committee (CIOC) has announced the names of the four young athletes who will represent the Cayman Islands at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, taking place in Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

The Cayman Islands delegation will be represented by two athletes in swimming and two athletes in beach volleyball:

Swimming

● Kate Galatopoulos

● Lev Fahy

Beach Volleyball (Team)

● Rares Pomian

● Ronald Dylan Simpson

The Cayman Islands athletes and delegation will travel to Dakar, Senegal, where they will take part in the Opening Ceremony on October 31st at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Dakar 2026 marks the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games and represents a historic moment for the Olympic Movement. The Games will be the first Olympic event ever held on the African continent, bringing the Olympic experience to Africa for the first time in history.

Approximately 2,700 young athletes from 206 delegations are expected to participate across the Games. The programme features 35 sports, comprising 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports, providing young athletes with opportunities to compete, learn, connect and experience different cultures through sport.

The Youth Olympic Games are designed not only as a high-level sporting competition, but also as an educational and cultural experience for young athletes.

Dakar 2026 places particular emphasis on friendship, respect, cultural exchange, personal development and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

The Games’ official slogan, “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates,” reflects the spirit of hospitality and celebration at the heart of the event.

For the Cayman Islands, participation provides an important opportunity for the islands’ young athletes to gain international experience, compete alongside some of the world’s most promising young athletes, and represent their island on one of the biggest stages in youth sport.

CIOC President Bernie Bush said the Cayman Islands’ participation in Dakar 2026 is significant both for the athletes and Cayman’s wider sporting development.

He stated that, “Dakar 2026 is particularly special because it is the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games and, most importantly, the first Olympic event to be held on the African continent. It is a historic moment for Africa and for the Olympic Movement, and we are proud that the Cayman Islands will be part of it. Kate, Lev, Rares and Dylan have worked hard to earn their places, and we are excited to see them represent Cayman with pride. We encourage them to embrace every part of this experience; from competing, to meeting athletes from other countries, to learning about Senegalese culture and being ambassadors for the Cayman Islands.”