Dakar Youth Olympics mark Africa's first Olympic sporting event
The 2026 Summer Youth Games open in Dakar on October 31 and run to November 13, hosted by Senegal.
Africa hosts its first Olympic sporting event as the Dakar Youth Games open on October 31. Almost 2,700 athletes aged 14-17 from 204 national Olympic committees will compete until November 13.
Key takeaways
- Dakar hosts Africa's first Olympic sporting event
- Almost 2,700 athletes aged 14-17 from 204 national Olympic committees take part
- Games run from October 31 to November 13 after a four-year postponement
- Senegal is the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event
- Kirsty Coventry is the first African IOC president
The 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics will open on Saturday, October 31, marking the first Olympic sporting event ever held in Africa. Senegal is the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event, with almost 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 from 204 national Olympic committees taking part. The Games will run until November 13.
Background and postponement
The Games were initially set for 2022 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said the event has been a long time in the making. Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, is the first African to lead the organisation, having been elected in 2025.
Preparations and security
Dakar Games organisers said they had to deal with last-minute energy and rain issues but have given the green light for the start. More than 6,000 volunteers are helping in the organisation. Security will be considerable and will include Spanish and French police officers with experience from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Legacy and future bids
Africa has never hosted the summer Olympics despite bids from several countries in the past. On Thursday, Durban was named as South Africa's candidate for either the 2036 or 2040 Olympics. IOC coordination commission chair Humphrey Kayange said the Youth Games could leave behind legacy, infrastructure, venues, and personnel, and hoped the ripple effect does not die.
Competing nations
France is scheduled to compete at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar from October 31 to November 13. This will mark France's fourth appearance at the Youth Olympics, after making its debut in 2010.
Argentina is scheduled to compete at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar from October 31 to November 13. This will mark Argentina's fourth appearance at the Youth Olympics, after making its debut in 2010.
Senegal is scheduled to compete at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar from October 31 to November 13. This will mark Senegal's fourth appearance at the Youth Olympics, after making its debut in 2010. Senegal is the host nation of the Games.
Related on Apex Sports News
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