Youth Olympic Games Kick Off in Dakar, Senegal Makes History

The 2026 Youth Olympic Games have started in Dakar, Senegal. This is the first time the Olympics are being held in Africa, marking a big moment for the continent.

Everywhere in Dakar, you will see signs that say “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates.” The city is hosting about 2,665 young athletes aged 14 to 17 from different countries.

This event also sees the return of Russian athletes to the Olympics, along with a team of refugees. The athletes will compete in 25 sports and 153 medal events.

Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a former swimmer from Zimbabwe, spoke at a press conference in Dakar. She said, “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.” She added, “I think that is really important for our continent.”

Competitions will happen in various sports, including athletics, beach wrestling, rugby sevens, and breaking. Events will take place across eight venues in three different locations.

Dakar, the nearby suburb of Diamniadio, and Saly, a beach town about 80 kilometers from the capital, will all host different events. An opening ceremony on Saturday evening in Diamniadio will kick off the Games.

A total of 136 athletes from Senegal are set to compete in the Youth Olympics. Around 6,000 volunteers from Senegal are helping to organize the event.

Senegal is known for its rich sports culture, especially football, traditional wrestling, and surfing. Young people often gather on weekends or evenings to play football on the beach or in village squares.

As the sun sets, many people flock to Dakar’s famous coastal road, the Corniche, to run, lift weights, or join group exercises.

While excitement is building up in the capital, many in Senegal are not overly enthusiastic about the Youth Olympics. They are more focused on issues like the rising cost of living, unemployment, and economic struggles.

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, said in an interview this week, “Once the youth Olympic Games in Senegal begin, Dakar will become the capital of African youth.” He also mentioned, “Africa hosting the (Youth) Olympic Games, it’s a symbol.”

In July, the IOC lifted the suspension on the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). This means the Youth Games will be the first Olympic competition since Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022 where Russian athletes can compete under their own flag.

The ROC reported that 13 Russian athletes will take part, with 10 coaches accompanying them to Senegal. Coach Anzor Gaunov said, “The kids are excited, it’s good news that our legitimate right to participate with the national anthem and Russian flag has been restored.”

However, each sport’s international federation will decide if the Russian athletes can compete. The Dakar Youth Games will also have a refugee Olympic team, mainly made up of athletes living in Africa.

The IOC considers the Dakar Games an important step for Africa. They see it as a chance to highlight Senegal’s culture and Africa’s growing presence in the Olympics.

South Africa is looking to be the first African nation to host the Olympic Games. They already hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2010 and are in the running for the 2036 Summer Olympics.