The 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games have officially opened in Senegal, marking a historic milestone as the first Olympic sporting event to be staged on African soil.
The opening ceremony, held on Saturday, October 31, at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, brought together young athletes from across the world in a spectacular celebration of African culture, creativity and sporting excellence.
Featuring more than 1,100 performers, the colourful ceremony showcased Senegal’s rich cultural heritage and set the tone for 14 days of sporting competitions and international cultural exchange.
The event celebrated Senegal’s traditional spirit of Teranga, meaning hospitality, through artistic performances depicting Africa’s past, present and future.
Centred on three symbolic characters — Alkebulan, Keb and Sitoé — the production highlighted the transmission of cultural values across generations and the important role of young people in shaping Africa’s future.
Organisers said the production involved 1,115 performers, including 628 dancers, while nearly 1,500 costumes were created through more than 5,000 hours of work, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of Senegalese designers, tailors and artisans.
Inclusion was also a major feature of the ceremony, with performers from different backgrounds and abilities participating in the historic celebration.
Addressing athletes and spectators, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry described the hosting of the Youth Olympic Games in Africa as a moment of immense pride for the continent.
She said the event would give the world an opportunity to experience Africa’s culture, diversity and potential.
Coventry, who described herself as a proud Zimbabwean and African woman, said she was particularly delighted that the continent was welcoming the Olympic Movement for the first time.
The Games were officially declared open by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, following which the Youth Olympic flame completed its journey across Senegal with the lighting of the cauldron.
The 14-day competition is expected to bring together young athletes from different parts of the world, combining sporting excellence with cultural exchange and international friendship.
