IOC chief hails 'time for Africa' as Youth Olympic Games kick off in Senegal

The 2026 Youth Olympic Games officially open this Saturday in Senegal, marking the first time an Olympic event has been held on African soil. The Games will feature approximately 2,665 young athletes, aged 14 to 17, competing in 25 sports and 153 medal events. The competition includes a refugee team and marks the return of Russian athletes to the Olympics.

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, a former Zimbabwean swimmer, expressed pride in the event's historical significance for the continent. During a press conference in Dakar, she noted the importance of providing people from around the world with a positive impression of Africa.

Events will be hosted across eight venues in three locations: Dakar, the suburb of Diamniadio, and the beach town of Saly. An opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday evening in Diamniadio. According to Malay Mail, 136 Senegalese athletes are participating in the Games, supported by approximately 6,000 local volunteers.

Brief written by urgent.news from RFI English, Punch Nigeria, Malay Mail, Free Malaysia Today, Winnipeg Free Press — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.