Senegal kicks off Youth Games, Africa's first ever Olympics

The inaugural Youth Olympic Games, the first of its kind to be hosted on African soil, commenced on Saturday in Senegal's capital city of Dakar, signifying a historic milestone for the continent. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye inaugurated the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games at the Abdoulaye Wade stadium in Diamniadio, a suburb of Dakar.

The Games will see the return of Russian athletes, who will compete under their own flag for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, a refugee Olympic team will participate, comprising athletes primarily based in Africa. The Games will feature competitions in 25 sports with 153 medal events, drawing nearly 2,700 young competitors aged 14 to 17 from around the globe.

Senegal's rich sports culture, including football, traditional wrestling, and surfing, is well-known, and the nation is eager to showcase its achievements and embrace the Olympic spirit. The IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, expressed pride in Senegal and Africa's historic moment, emphasizing the continent's growing role within the Olympics.