Dakar makes history as the first African city to host an Olympic event, welcoming young athletes from around the world….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Senegal has entered Olympic history as Dakar 2026 officially gets under way, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event has been held on African soil. The Youth Olympic Games, running from 31 October to 13 November, are bringing nearly 2,700 young athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees to Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
The Games opened on Saturday with a colourful ceremony at the 55,000-capacity Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, celebrating Senegalese culture and the diversity of the African continent. More than 1,100 performers took part in the event, which featured traditional dances, wrestling displays, percussion, contemporary music and visual arts.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially declared the Games open, welcoming the international sporting community to Senegal. International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry also attended the ceremony, describing the occasion as a significant moment for Africa and the Olympic movement.
The Games feature 25 competition sports, 10 engagement sports and 153 medal events, with competitions taking place across the three host locations. Athletes aged 14 to 17 are competing in disciplines ranging from swimming, athletics and fencing to wrestling, badminton and basketball.
A historic moment for Senegal’s athletes
Before the opening ceremony, Faye urged the country’s largest-ever Olympic delegation to make the most of the opportunity to compete before home supporters.
At a flag handover ceremony at the Presidential Palace on 26 October, the President entrusted the national emblem to the delegation, describing their participation as a defining moment in Senegal’s sporting history.
“You are the first Senegalese athletes to compete in the Olympic Games on home soil, before your own supporters, in your own cities,” Faye said.
He called on the young athletes, known as the ‘Young Lions’, to uphold four values: discipline, Jom, Fulla and solidarity. Jom represents courage, determination and perseverance, while Fulla reflects the courage to take on challenges.
“Talent opens doors, but remember that discipline, and discipline alone, is what enables you to walk through them,” he said.
Faye also paid tribute to previous generations of Senegalese athletes, acknowledging their contribution to the country’s sporting achievements.
“Today, dear young women and men, they are passing the baton to you,” he said.
A wider African milestone
The President acknowledged the role of families, coaches, sports federations and government institutions in preparing the athletes. He also assured the delegation of continued government support through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Beyond the sporting competition, Dakar 2026 is being viewed as an opportunity to showcase African culture, creativity and organisational capabilities to an international audience.
The opening ceremony highlighted Senegal’s tradition of teranga, or hospitality, through performances representing the continent’s past, present and future.
For Senegal, the Games represent both a major sporting milestone and an opportunity to strengthen its position on the international sporting stage. As competitions continue until 13 November, the host nation will be looking to combine a successful event with memorable performances from its young athletes.
