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International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces Olympic champions, medallists and Olympians as Athlete Role Models for Dakar 2026

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Olympic

The IOC has announced an initial list of 31 Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, including multiple Olympic champions and medallists

DAKAR, Senegal, April 20, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Olympic Committee (IOC) (www.Olympics.com) has announced the first group of Athlete Role Models (http://apo-opa.co/3Qky50M) for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) (http://apo-opa.co/4clOeLQ), marking an important step in preparations for the first Olympic sporting event to be held on the African continent.

 

Key facts

The IOC has announced an initial list of 31 Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, including multiple Olympic champions and medallists.

The Athlete Role Models will provide mentoring and workshop training to young athletes on site during Dakar 2026.

In collaboration with the International Federations, experienced Olympians from the 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports on the Dakar 2026 programme have been selected as Athlete Role Models. They are:

  • Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA, judo)
  • Stéphane Badji (SEN, football)
  • Christopher Bak (USA, rowing)
  • Asunción Batista (ESP, beach handball)
  • Rémy Bedu (FRA, golf)
  • Yves Bourhis (SEN, canoe slalom)
  • Jean-Pierre Bourhis (SEN, canoe slalom)
  • Darcy Bourne (GBR, hockey)
  • Douglas Brose (BRA, karate)
  • Sheila Chajira (KEN, rugby sevens)
  • Doaa Elghobashy (EGY, beach volleyball)
  • Jomana Elsaiy (EGY, shooting)
  • Ruth Gbagbi (CIV, taekwondo)
  • Sonja Greinacher (GER, basketball 3×3)
  • Zohra Nora Kehli (ALG, fencing)
  • Khadija Krimi (TUN, rowing)
  • Xiaoxiao Lai (CHN, wushu)
  • Rayssa Leal (BRA, skateboarding)
  • Vincent Luis (FRA, triathlon)
  • Jamila Lunkuse (UGA, swimming)
  • Dina Meshref (EGY, table tennis)
  • Halimah Nakaayi (UGA, athletics)
  • Kaylia Nemour (ALG, artistic gymnastics)
  • Blessing Oborududu (NGR, wrestling)
  • Forrester Osei (GHA, weightlifting)
  • Ayako Rokkaku (JPN, baseball5, baseball/softball)
  • Edmond Sanka (SEN, canoe sprint, Para canoe)
  • Combe Seck (SEN, canoe sprint)
  • Richard Torrez Jr. (USA, boxing)
  • Maja Włoszczowska (POL, cycling)
  • Siwei Zheng (CHN, badminton)

The full biographies of each Athlete Role Model can be found on the Athlete365 website (http://apo-opa.co/41KHuB3).

They represent the very best of Olympism and will help shape the experience of the young athletes competing in Senegal

Since the inaugural Singapore 2010 YOG, the Athlete Role Model programme has been a central component of each edition, providing the young athletes competing with a chance to learn from experienced Olympians.

The Athlete Role Models will be on the ground in Senegal to engage with competing athletes, providing support and advice around competition and taking part in educational workshops. These workshops cover topics such as career management, injury prevention and mental preparation, among many other things.

The Athlete Role Models will also attend training sessions, engage with the local community, support the athletes from the sidelines and be there to congratulate them at victory ceremonies.

Speaking about his selection as an Athlete Role Model, Chinese Olympic champion in badminton (mixed doubles) Shiwei Zheng said: “This opportunity is a powerful extension of my life’s work… It allows me to show that being a ‘champion’ isn’t just about medals – it’s about how you live, lead and lift others up.”

Meanwhile, Spaniard Asunción Batista – named best player in the world in beach handball in 2022 – spoke about what being an Athlete Role Model means to her: “Personally, this opportunity means growth, purpose and the chance to be part of something bigger than me.”

Senegal’s flagbearer at the Paris 2024 Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Combe Seck (canoe sprint), spoke about what it means to serve as an Athlete Role Model in her own city: “This opportunity represents a real challenge and is a great source of pride for me. Being an Athlete Role Model in Dakar, my city, is a chance to push myself, bring value and contribute to something truly meaningful.”

Jamila Lunkuse, a two-time Olympian in swimming from Uganda, spoke of what she wants to achieve in this role: “Representation really matters to me… I want to be that visible presence for young athletes that I didn’t always have.”

Douglas Brose – a Brazilian karateka and one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of men’s kumite – explained why he wanted to be an Athlete Role Model for Dakar 2026: “I didn’t build my career only to win medals – I built it to open paths.”

On this milestone announcement, IOC Athletes’ Department Director Kaveh Mehrabi said: “Like many in our society, young athletes naturally look up to Olympians for guidance and inspiration. At every edition of the YOG, we have witnessed the incredible impact of Athlete Role Models in terms of athlete experience, and that’s why we are convinced that these outstanding role models will play a central role during Dakar 2026 and beyond. They represent the very best of Olympism and will help shape the experience of the young athletes competing in Senegal. Their contribution will be invaluable in supporting the mission of Dakar 2026 and empowering the next generation to chase their dreams.”

This announcement underscores the IOC’s commitment to delivering a meaningful athlete experience at the Youth Olympic Games, while supporting the legacy of Dakar 2026 in Senegal and across Africa.

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together around 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17 across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Sports

Former FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura Joins African Collaborations Group (ACG) Advisory Board to Advance Sport and Entertainment Districts Across Africa

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FIFA

Ms Samoura served as Secretary General of FIFA from 2016 to 2023 and has been a member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Senate since 2022

Fatma Samoura is one of the most distinguished sport administrators of her generation

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 3, 2026/APO Group/ –African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com), the leading strategic project origination and collaboration platform focused on the industrialisation of sport in Africa through the origination of bankable sport and entertainment district ecosystems, today announced the appointment of Fatma Samoura to its Advisory Board.

 




 

 

Recognised as one of the most distinguished sport administrators of her generation, Ms Samoura brings more than three decades of international leadership experience spanning sport, development, humanitarian affairs and global governance.

Ms Samoura served as Secretary General of FIFA from 2016 to 2023, becoming the first woman and the first non-European to hold the position in FIFA’s history. During her tenure, she oversaw FIFA’s global administration across its major operational and institutional functions, including the delivery of two FIFA World Cups and two FIFA Women’s World Cups. She also played a leading role in strengthening FIFA’s governance, member association services and international development programmes.

Before joining FIFA, Ms Samoura spent more than 21 years with the United Nations, holding senior leadership positions in humanitarian and development operations, including with the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Her UN career took her across Africa, Central and South America and Asia, giving her extensive experience working with governments, international institutions and development partners.

She has served as a Senate Member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) since February 2022.

Her appointment strengthens the ACG Advisory Board with exceptional expertise in global sport governance, institutional leadership, international development, federation relations and the delivery of major sporting events — capabilities directly relevant to originating and structuring large-scale sport and entertainment district projects across the African continent.

“Fatma Samoura is one of the most distinguished sport administrators of her generation. Her unique experience at the intersection of global governing bodies, national federations, governments and international institutions is precisely the calibre of expertise ACG needs as we originate a new generation of bankable sport and entertainment district ecosystems across the African continent. Her presence on our Advisory Board is a genuine strategic asset,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Executive Chairman of ACG.

The ACG Advisory Board provides strategic guidance as ACG originates and structures large-scale sport and entertainment district projects across the continent, aligning governments, development finance institutions (DFIs), investors, sport bodies and infrastructure partners to support the development of financially sustainable, mixed-use district ecosystems.

Africa’s sport economy is projected to reach $20 billion by 2035, yet the continent continues to lack the integrated district ecosystems required to support large-scale development. ACG addresses this gap by originating bankable sport and entertainment district projects, moving beyond single-venue development models towards mixed-use, revenue-generating and financially sustainable district ecosystems.

Through its collaborative model, ACG convenes governments, PPP authorities and regulators, development finance institutions, private investors, developers, designers and engineers, legal and transaction advisors, operators, sport federations and leagues, event promoters, media and broadcast partners, academic institutions and host communities, creating structured pathways from concept to feasibility, bankability and delivery.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Collaborations Group (ACG).

 




 

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Sports

Mengniu’s Chinese Culture Pavilion Captivates the World at the FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup

NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – On July 15 (EDT, GMT-4), the second semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place in Atlanta. Meanwhile, outside New York New Jersey Stadium, the host venue for this year’s World Cup Final, Mengniu, as an Official Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, unveiled a 400-square-meter Chinese Culture Pavilion created in collaboration with multiple partners. Using football as its bridge, the brand as its platform, and Chinese culture as its heart, the immersive pavilion seamlessly blended the passion of the beautiful game with the elegance of traditional Chinese aesthetics, presenting China’s stories to a global audience on one of the world’s greatest sporting stages.

Mengniu’s Chinese Culture Pavilion Debuts at the FIFA World Cup, Showcasing Chinese Culture to the World

On the pitch, a single football captures the attention of billions. Beyond the stadium, civilizations come together through cultural exchange.

The Mengniu Chinese Culture Pavilion marks the first comprehensive international presentation of Beijing Central Axis since its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and debuts at one of the world’s premier sporting events. Inspired by the architectural aesthetics of traditional Chinese architecture and the spatial order of Beijing Central Axis, the pavilion follows a symmetrical layout centered on a principal axis. At its entrance stands the monumental painting Magnificent Central Axis, offering a panoramic bird’s-eye view of Beijing’s historic Central Axis while conveying, through artistic expression, the Eastern philosophy and cultural values it embodies. As visitors explore the pavilion, football fans from around the world pause to experience its interactive exhibits, immersing themselves in the richness of Chinese traditional culture. Standing outside New York New Jersey Stadium, the pavilion continues to tell vivid, contemporary stories of China to a global audience.

Beyond Football: Mengniu Elevates Cultural Exchange on the World Cup Stage

For Mengniu, building a Chinese Culture Pavilion at this FIFA World Cup reflects a deeper understanding of the powerful connection between sport and cultural exchange. Mengniu believes that the FIFA World Cup is not only the pinnacle of football competition but also a global platform where diverse civilizations meet, connect, and learn from one another. As an Official Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup from China, Mengniu sees it as both an opportunity and a responsibility to share China’s stories and showcase the richness of Chinese civilization with audiences worldwide. This commitment extends beyond football. During the Paris Summer Olympic Games and the Milan Winter Olympic Games, Mengniu, as a Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP), continuously hosted its signature “China Night” events, integrating Chinese culture into the narrative of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions.

Beyond a Pavilion: Mengniu’s Multi-Dimensional Presence at the FIFA World Cup

As an Official Sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mengniu’s presence extends far beyond traditional brand visibility. Its participation represents a comprehensive global strategy that integrates products, brand values, and corporate social responsibility.

On the product front, Mengniu Ice Cream has officially become the Official Ice Cream of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mengniu Ice Cream is available at all tournament venues and has simultaneously expanded into 11 major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and New York. By bringing world-class-quality products to international consumers, Mengniu continues to strengthen the commercial foundation for its global growth.

At the brand level, together with global brand ambassadors Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal, Mengniu brings its corporate spirit, “Born for Greatness,” to life on football’s biggest stage. The company has also partnered with Hisense to launch a series of coordinated Chinese-character pitch-side advertising campaigns during the tournament. Moving beyond individual brand promotion, the two companies present a united expression of Chinese brands, confidently demonstrating the growing global influence of Chinese enterprises.

In terms of corporate social responsibility, Mengniu not only brings Chinese culture to the international stage but also demonstrates the commitment of a responsible Chinese enterprise through meaningful public initiatives. At the opening match of this year’s FIFA World Cup, six teenage footballers from Inner Mongolia were selected by Mengniu to escort the FIFA flag onto the field, creating an inspiring example of how businesses can promote youth football development while fulfilling their social responsibilities.

From a glass of milk on store shelves to a cultural journey within the pavilion, Mengniu’s World Cup presence reflects the remarkable evolution of Chinese enterprises on the global stage. Looking ahead, Mengniu will continue to leverage the world’s premier sporting events to advance health, boost brand power, strengthen global presence, and fulfill social responsibilities, contributing the strength of China’s dairy industry to sharing China’s stories and showcasing the enduring appeal of Chinese civilization with the world.

 

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Events

Paddles up! Hong Kong marks 50 Years of international dragon boat thrills

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Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – With top teams from around the world gearing up for the hotly contested Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races this weekend (June 27-28), participants and spectators can expect a bumper programme of action, fun and entertainment along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui – one of the city’s most vibrant districts known for its iconic skyline views and tourist attractions.

There is much to celebrate. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races as well as 35th anniversary of both the co-organiser, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, and the sanctioning body, International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF added to the occasion by announcing earlier this year the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong.

Riding on the wave of excitement, the organiser, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), extended the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival period to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), beginning on the historic Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) and concluding on July 1, which is the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

As the headline international flagship event of “Hong Kong Summer Fun”, Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said the Festival not only ran over a longer period, but also featured a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programmes than in previous years, offering an experience found only in Hong Kong for locals and visitors, while showcasing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.

More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete for top honours in the world‑renowned setting of Victoria Harbour. This year’s event also introduces the special 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to the traditional spirit of dragon boat racing.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a series of thematic activities along the Avenue of Stars, including a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, live music performances and a line-up of intangible cultural heritage performances, including martial art Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.

Highlighting Hong Kong’s reputation as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing, as well as its strengths as a global hub city, the IDBF has taken a significant step in its long‑term global strategy with the formal incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026.

“Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family,” said Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF.

As part of this new chapter, the IDBF has applied for funding under “the Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations”, which was recently introduced by the HKSAR Government’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The Pilot Scheme is an initiative designed to support Asian and international sports associations establishing their headquarters or regional headquarters in the city.

The Dragon Boat Festival has a long and colourful history dating back more than two thousand years. Held each year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the day commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan.

According to legend, Qu committed suicide for his beliefs by throwing himself into the Luo River. The villagers nearby raced out on their dragon boats, banging gongs and drums to scare away fish and other underwater creatures to stop them from eating Qu’s body. The tradition continues to this day, with dragon boat competitions taking place at locations across Hong Kong, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its neighbourhood.

Traditional dragon boat treats feature prominently during the festival, notably zongzi. These glutinous rice dumplings, traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or boiled, are widely available during the festive period.

 

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