“Far from home, but close to the heart.” This is perhaps the best way to describe Abdoulaye Samb’s relationship with Senegal. Although he has been living in Canada for two years, the Dakar-born artist remains deeply attached to his homeland. “Here in Senegal, sport has the colour of the ocean, the warmth of the sun and the rhythm of an unforgettable journey,” he says.
As far back as he can remember, Abdoulaye Samb has always wanted to be an artist. “I’ve always been drawn to drawing, painting, sculpture and DIY,” he says on his LinkedIn profile.
When the time came to choose a career path, there was little doubt about his direction. The Senegalese artist was determined to work “in the field of art”. A promise fulfilled: in 2003, he earned his first certificate in Graphic Arts, before graduating from the École des Beaux-Arts de Dakar in 2017.
“The soul of Senegal: The artist’s welcome message”
For more than 20 years, Laye Samb has worked in advertising communications, packaging design and publishing. His work has included illustrations for books and educational materials.
And when he finds the time, despite his busy creative career, Laye Samb also exhibits some of his work to the public. Through his art, he continues to celebrate Senegal and help showcase his homeland to the world.
As Senegal prepares to host the first Olympic sporting event ever held on African soil, the artist has a simple message of welcome: “Welcome to the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where the energy of the world meets the soul of Senegal.”
“A defining moment for African youth”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic sporting event to be held in Africa, will take place in Senegal from 31 October to 13 November. A historic first for both the Games and the continent, it was an opportunity Laye Samb was determined to be part of.
“For posterity, my wish is that someone who discovers this poster two decades from now will feel a great sense of joyful nostalgia, and see it as a testimony to a defining moment when African youth shone on the international stage,” he says.
He adds: “I hope they can almost hear the sounds and the buzz, feel the colours and the joyful scenes of Dakar’s streets, hear the sound of the waves and sense the optimism of a generation that is inspired and ready to spread its wings, grow and flourish across the world.”
One poster for every edition of the Games: a first for the YOG
Helsinki 1952, Atlanta 1996, Beijing 2008, Tokyo 2020… For more than a century, every edition of the Olympic Summer and Winter Games has had its own official poster. These posters help capture the diversity of the sports on the programme, as well as the visual identity of the host city and country.