Senegal made history on Saturday as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially opened the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking the first time the international youth sporting event has been held on African soil.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261103422348/en/” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261103422348/en/
His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye (Photo: AETOSWire)
The opening ceremony took place on 31 October at the 50,000-capacity Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, featuring 1,115 performers, including 628 dancers, in a celebration of Senegalese culture and African heritage.
The fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games runs until 13 November, bringing together approximately 2,650 athletes aged 14 to 17 from 204 National Olympic Committees, alongside the Refugee Olympic Team.
Dakar follows three previous host cities: Singapore in 2010, Nanjing in China in 2014 and Buenos Aires in Argentina in 2018. Senegal was selected to host the 2026 edition at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Buenos Aires in October 2018.
The sporting programme features 25 competition sports and 153 medal events, alongside 10 engagement sports. Competitions are taking place across three locations: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Dakar 2026 is also the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games to achieve full gender parity across athlete quota places, sports, disciplines and events. The programme includes 73 women’s events, 73 men’s events and seven mixed events.
Another milestone is the participation of a six-member Refugee Olympic Team, comprising athletes based in Africa. It is the first time a Refugee Olympic Team has competed at the Youth Olympic Games.
“Hosting the first Youth Olympic Games in Africa is a historic milestone for Senegal and the continent. Dakar 2026 provides an opportunity to welcome young athletes from across the world, showcase Africa’s sporting talent and cultural heritage, and inspire a new generation to participate in sport. We hope the Games will leave a lasting legacy by creating greater opportunities for young people and strengthening the development of sport across the continent,” the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee said.
For more information, visit www.dakar2026.org
Sudhashree Dash, Sudha@memc.co
The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may
include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such
third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and
is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar.
Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the
accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party
content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in
third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not
necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees.
Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays
in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent
financial advice before making any decisions based on such content.
The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with
Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any
form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.
This chip stock looks cheap at a 30% discount, and its biggest growth years could still be ahead.
William Kerwin, CFAOct 29, 2026
Plus, whether Microsoft, Alphabet, or Amphenol look attractive after earnings.
David Sekera, CFA and Sarah HansenNov 2, 2026Underwhelming results have added to investor worries about AI spending.
Vicky McKeeverOct 30, 2026The stocks of these high-quality companies look cheap today.
Tori BrovetNov 2, 2026
Plus, what recent bond market volatility means for investors.
David Sekera, CFA and Sarah HansenOct 26, 2026
