On the way to the medals? In any case, this is Senegal’s hope for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The country has chosen to support around twenty athletes with scholarships that will allow them to train in high-level centers until June 2024. Last night, a convention signing ceremony took place in Dakar.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Juliet Dubois
A total of 18 athletes who will benefit from these scholarships from the Senegalese National Olympic Committee. Ten disciplines are represented, including wrestling, fencing, taekwondo and para-canoeing.
An envelope of 590,000 euros is planned to support young athletes. Balla Dieye is chairman of the Athletes’ Commission at the Olympic Committee, he also promises support for athletes: ” In terms of opportunity, the National Olympic Committee and the Technical Commission facilitated access to the preparation centres. better support for their preparation in the centers also facilitates participation in competitions and better medical support. We also support coaches. »
Chosen on the basis of performance and motivation, the athletes will train in centers in France, the United States or Senegal. This financial support is welcome for athletes, such as Anta Sambou, African wrestling champion in the 72 kg category.
” Really, it’s difficult because if I take my case, sometimes when I go to training, there is nobody and suddenly, I have to pay certain athletes to come and help me. train. So it’s difficult, without the means. With this scholarship, I think it will do the trick “, she hopes.
So far, in 19 Olympic Games, Senegal have won only one medal, silver in the 400m hurdles in 1988.