Senegal Sports Ministry backs Dakar-Gorée swimming plan

Senegal’s Sports Ministry has placed youth detection, coach and athlete training, and stronger facilities at the centre of its plans for swimming. The priorities were reaffirmed during the 37th Dakar-Gorée crossing, where Minister of Youth and Sports Djireye Clotilde Coly attended the event.

More than 900 people entered the amateur race, which covered 4.5 kilometres. Professional swimmers competed over 5.2 kilometres, while Coly officially started the amateur event before following the competition. The crossing remains a major fixture on Senegal’s swimming calendar.

Coly also highlighted the need to expand swimming in schools, both to introduce more young people to the discipline and to identify and support future talent. She urged local authorities to contribute to the construction and availability of sports facilities, particularly swimming pools.

The ministry identified Dakar’s Olympic Pool and the sports facility in Kaolack, which includes a pool, among the infrastructure relevant to that effort. Coly described the crossing as both a sporting and cultural event that helps promote Gorée. She also said she intends to train for and take part in the next crossing in 2027.