Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Senegal opens Africa’s first Olympic event with Youth Games
Senegal opened the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, making it the first African country to host an Olympic event.
About 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 from around the world are taking part.
The Games run through November 13 in Dakar, nearby Diamniadio and the beach town of Saly.
Athletes will compete in 25 sports for 153 medal events, including athletics, swimming and beach wrestling.
Dakar was originally due to host the Games in 2022, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed them by four years.
The event gives Africa a larger place in international sport and offers Senegal a chance to showcase its culture and welcome visitors.
A refugee team of six athletes based in Kenya and Uganda is also competing.
The next test is maintaining the venues and holding events there after the Games, so they do not become costly and unused.
Senegal opened the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar on October 31, bringing an Olympic event to Africa for the first time.
About 2,665 young competitors aged 14 to 17 are taking part, according to Sportstar; AP reports about 2,700.
The athletes are competing in 25 sports and 153 medal events.
Events are being held in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
The Games include a refugee team and Russian athletes competing under their national flag.
- Who
- Senegal is hosting young athletes from around the world, including a refugee team and Russian competitors.
- What
- The 2026 Youth Olympic Games opened, marking the first Olympic event held in Africa.
- When
- The Games opened on October 31, 2026, and are scheduled to run through November 13.
- Where
- Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, Senegal.
- Why
- The Games bring young athletes together and mark a milestone for Africa’s role in international sport.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dakar was initially due to host the Youth Olympic Games, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed them by four years.
The Games opened in Senegal, with the opening ceremony scheduled for Diamniadio.
Youth Olympic rugby sevens and beach volleyball competitions are scheduled to take place.
The Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to conclude.
- Host country
- Senegal
- Host locations
- Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly
- Athletes
- About 2,665, aged 14 to 17, according to Sportstar
- Sports and medal events
- 25 sports and 153 medal events
- Russian delegation
- 13 athletes
- Refugee team
- Six athletes based in Kenya and Uganda, according to AP
4 sources
What people are saying
We’ve got people from around the world that maybe had a very different idea about Africa and they’re going to leave, hopefully, with something really positive in mind
It is time for Africa, time for Senegal
Once the youth Olympic Games in Senegal begin, Dakar will become the capital of African youth
a weapon in diplomacy and a tool for development