WBSC President’s visit to Senegal embraces Baseball5 progress ahead of Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026

One of the key meetings on the visit by the WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari to Senegal was with the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Khady Diène Gaye, who expressed her strong support for Baseball5, particularly in rural areas and in schools.

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<p>In a significant step towards the continued growth of baseball and softball in Senegal, the President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Riccardo Fraccari, visited the country this week as it prepares to host the <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/ioc-confirms-new-format-for-youth-olympic-games-wbsc-reiterates-excitement-for-baseball5s-debut-at-dakar-2026">Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026</a>, where Baseball5 will make its Olympic debut. </p>

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<p>During the visit, which underscored the WBSC's commitment to promoting Baseball5 in Senegal and ensuring a successful Youth Olympic Games 2026 in Dakar (pictured), the WBSC President met with representatives from the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, government and local authorities, OlympAfrica, as well as the Comité National de Promotion (CNP) for baseball and softball in Senegal. </p>

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<p>The primary focus was the promotion and development of Baseball5, the WBSC's mixed gender, dynamic and urban discipline that requires minimal costs and equipment to play. With Baseball5 set to feature in the Dakar 2026 programme, discussions centred around training coaches, integrating the sport into schools and developing a strong national team for the Youth Olympic Games.</p>

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<p>"Visiting Dakar, the future host of the Youth Olympic Games 2026, has been an incredible experience seeing first hand how the city is embracing this significant event has been truly inspiring," WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari said. "Watching the youth of this vibrant country play Baseball5 and seeing their enthusiasm for the game was a highlight of the trip. The passion and support for Baseball5 here will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy and I am confident in the sport’s future across Senegal.” </p>

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<p>President Fraccari, who was joined by Chair of the WBSC Development Commission Angelo Vicini, meet with the CNP, the body charged with promoting the sport and aspiring to become a fully-fledged National Federation of the WBSC. The discussions focused on equipment distribution, training, development and future growth. Notably, the WBSC agreed to send Baseball5 balls, which is all that is needed to play the sport, to support Baseball5's development in Senegal. </p>

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<p>In addition, the WBSC President had a motivational meeting with the wider CNP team, including the President, Secretary-General and coaches. Together, they outlined a short-term project to prepare coaches and players for Dakar 2026, alongside a long-term vision and commitment to develop Baseball5 and eventually baseball and softball in the country.</p>

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<p>President Fraccari also met with Khady Diène Gaye, the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, who expressed strong support for Baseball5, particularly in rural areas and in schools. Later, a meeting took place with Moussa Taye, Director of Cabinet, at the City Hall of Dakar, with the city expressing its willingness to support Baseball5’s development journey with resources such as fields.</p>

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<p>In addition, the

President received updates from OlympAfrica, highlighting the increasing

presence of Baseball5 in their centres across Africa, and the potential for

Dakar’s centre to host clinics and games in the future. </p>

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<p>Meanwhile, meetings with Dakar 2026 Coordinator Ibrahima Wade and Sports Director Balla Dièye looked ahead to the Baseball5 tournament at the Youth Olympic Games, ensuring productive coordination ahead of the Games. The President also had the opportunity to witness a Baseball5 game at the Finals Dakar tournament, which showcased Senegal's increasing passion for Baseball5. </p>

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