Senegalese President Macky Sall meets IOC President Bach and tours Olympic Museum during visit to the IOC

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach welcomed Senegalese Head of State Macky Sall today at The Olympic Museum in Lausanne as part of a visit to the International Olympic Committee. The two leaders emphasised the essential role that sports play in bringing people together and promoting the values of peace and friendship.

President Bach and President Sall were accompanied by Senegalese NOC President and IOC Member Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye and the Chair of the IOC Ethics Commission, Youssoupha Ndiaye.

In his remarks, President Bach took the opportunity to congratulate the Senegalese Head of State on the efforts of his government to promote sport in Senegal.

IOC/Christophe Moratal

“Senegal has shown a strong intention to put sport at the centre of society”, said Bach. “Through the renovation of numerous sport facilities, the construction of new stadiums and the implementation of programmes for the promotion of Olympic values among the youth of the country, Senegal has acknowledged the role that sports can play,” he added. President Bach also acknowledged the excellent cooperation between the government and sport authorities in Senegal, highlighting the respect for the autonomy of sports organisations.

Senegal has shown a strong intention to put sport at the centre of society.Thomas Bach IOC President

President Bach was also able to update the Senegalese President on the progress being made on the implementation of Olympic Agenda 2020.

President Sall welcomed the initiatives being taken by the IOC. He stressed the importance of sport in society and the strong cooperation between the United Nations and the IOC. President Sall also praised Olympic Agenda 2020 saying that it “helps to secure the future of sport and the Olympic Movement.”

Sall continued: “My government, which makes sport one of its priorities, will continue to support initiatives in support of culture, arts and sports to favour the integration of the youth in the nation”.

President Sall and President Bach held talks over lunch at The Olympic Museum, after which President Sall signed the IOC’s Golden Book.