Omanghana
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games have officially opened in Senegal, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event has been held on African soil.
The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared the Games open during a celebration featuring more than 1,100 performers and highlighting Senegalese and African culture.
Young Athletes From Around the World
Approximately 2,655 athletes between the ages of 14 and 17 are expected to take part, representing 204 National Olympic Committees.
The Games also feature the first Youth Refugee Olympic Team, made up of six athletes based in Africa.
Organizers have allocated an equal number of athlete quota places to male and female competitors. The medal program includes 73 men’s events, 73 women’s events and seven mixed events. olympics.com
Sports Across Three Host Areas
The Games run until November 13, with events taking place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. Although the opening ceremony was held on October 31, baseball5 competition began a day earlier.
Athletes are competing in 153 medal events across 25 sports, including athletics, basketball 3×3, beach volleyball, breaking, skateboarding and beach wrestling. A further 10 engagement sports are included to give young people opportunities to discover and participate in other disciplines
Source: Omanghana
