Senegal opens Africa’s first Olympic sporting event

Senegal has opened the first Olympic sporting event ever held in Africa, welcoming young athletes from around the world for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The opening ceremony took place on 31 October at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, near the capital, Dakar.

Around 1,100 performers, including 700 dancers, helped mark the occasion with a programme celebrating African culture and creativity. It was the culmination of an eight-year wait: Senegal was awarded the Games in 2018, but a pandemic-related postponement delayed their arrival.

Running until 13 November, the Games bring together thousands of athletes aged 14 to 17 across Dakar, Diamniadio and the coastal town of Saly. Competitors will contest 153 medal events, with sports ranging from athletics and skateboarding to beach wrestling and rugby sevens.

Senegal has 136 athletes taking part, while more than 6,000 volunteers from the host country are supporting the event. For the young Senegalese competitors, it is a chance to take part in an Olympic competition at home.

The Games come amid serious economic and social difficulties in Senegal, and public enthusiasm has been uneven. Yet their opening represents a clear achievement after years of preparation, bringing international youth sport and cultural exchange to an African host for the first time in Olympic history.