Senegal is the first African country to host an Olympic event, with about 2,700 young athletes competing in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly through Nov. 13.
Senegal has made history as the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event, with the official opening of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Diamniadio.
Inside the Dakar 2026 opening ceremony
The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium. It brought together young athletes from around the world for a celebration of sport and African culture.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially declared the Games open. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry attended the ceremony.
Athletes, sports and venues
About 2,700 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees and the Youth Refugee Olympic Team are expected to compete in the Games, which run until Nov. 13.
Competitions will take place across 25 sports in three locations: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. The program also includes 10 engagement sports designed to introduce young people to additional sporting disciplines.
A milestone for African sport
The Games were initially scheduled for 2022 but were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Youth Olympic Games are organized by the IOC for athletes aged 14 to 17. Beyond competition, they include educational and cultural programs that promote Olympic values, international friendship, respect and healthy living.
Dakar 2026 is the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games, following editions in Singapore, Nanjing and Buenos Aires. Its opening marks a significant milestone for African sport, with Senegal writing Africa into the history of Olympic hosting.
