As part of the centenary celebrations of the municipality of Mbour (1926-2026), the municipality organised a scientific and civic forum dedicated to sport, bringing together administrative authorities, local elected officials, actors in the sporting movement, club leaders, heads of sports and cultural associations as well as several emblematic figures of Mbour sport.

This meeting served as a framework for reflection on the challenges and prospects of local sports development through three major themes: the memory and heritage of Mbour sport; the challenges of the new Sports Code and the opportunities linked to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

Moderating the panel dedicated to the legal and institutional framework of sport, sports journalist Mbaye Jacque Diop emphasized the challenges faced by sports structures in Mbour.

According to him, the challenges particularly concern administrative organization, infrastructure and financing: "Mbour is full of sporting talent, but the lack of infrastructure remains a major obstacle to performance. The city currently has only one major infrastructure which no longer fully meets current standards."

He also stressed the need for clubs and sports associations to comply with new regulatory requirements and diversify their funding sources.

In this regard, he invited local stakeholders to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by the major infrastructure projects in the department, including the port of Ndayane, the toll highway, the Sahel Cement Works and the Blaise Diagne International Airport.

Mandiaye Fall, chief of staff to the mayor of Mbour, recalled that this meeting was part of a dynamic of promoting the city's sporting heritage and preparing for its future.

"Sport is no longer just a leisure or competitive activity. Today, it is a powerful lever for social inclusion, youth development and local economic development," he said.

For his part, the mayor of Mbour, Cheikh Issa Sall, praised the mobilization of the various stakeholders around this initiative. He recalled the historical role of sport in building the identity of the city, described as a true land of champions.

The mayor also highlighted the efforts made by the municipality to support the development of sport, notably through the increase in subsidies granted to clubs involved in national competitions, the rehabilitation of the Caroline Faye stadium and the construction of a new municipal stadium.

Addressing the issue of the new Sports Code, he invited local structures to take ownership of the ongoing reforms in order to strengthen their professionalization and governance.

Participants also discussed the opportunities that the Youth Olympic Games offer for Mbour. Beyond the sporting aspect, speakers highlighted the potential benefits in terms of infrastructure, tourism, hospitality, crafts, and job creation.

At the end of the work, the recommendations made by the different panels will be compiled into a general report intended to guide future municipal policies in favor of sport and local development.