Senegal to host Youth Olympic Games, Africa’s first Olympic event
Dakar will stage the continent’s first Olympics when the Youth Games begin on 31 October.
Senegal hosts the Youth Olympic Games, Africa’s first Olympic event, from 31 October. Some 2,700 athletes aged 17 or younger will compete across 25 sports at eight venues in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Key takeaways
- Senegal hosts Africa’s first Olympic event, the Youth Olympic Games
- Games run from 31 October for two weeks
- 2,700 athletes aged 17 or younger expected across 25 sports
- Eight venues across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly
- Russian athletes return under their own flag in some sports
Senegal will host the Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event ever held in Africa, when they kick off on 31 October, according to Sportstar. Some 2,700 athletes aged 17 or younger are expected to compete across 25 sports over two weeks. Events will be held at eight venues across Dakar, the nearby suburb of Diamniadio and the beach town of Saly, which is 80 kilometres from the capital. France 24 reported that more than 1 million spectators are expected, making the Games the biggest international event ever organised by Senegal.
Why it matters
Signs across Dakar proclaim “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates.” Senegalese authorities have overseen extensive infrastructure projects and view their efforts as an investment in the future as well as an occasion for training and long-term skill development. They also hope the event will highlight Dakar as a major African destination. Senegal is mired in debt amid a severe economic crisis, and many people remain concerned with the high cost of living, unemployment and economic hardship.
Russian participation
The International Olympic Committee lifted the Russian Olympic Committee’s suspension in July. According to the Russian Olympic Committee, 13 Russian athletes will participate, and 10 coaches will accompany them to Senegal. However, it is up to each sport’s international federation whether to authorise the Russian athletes’ participation. World Athletics is maintaining a ban, while the judo and swimming federations have allowed the Russians’ return with their flag and national anthem.
What happens next
Upon welcoming the Youth Olympic flame to Dakar on 12 September, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye told the country that “all of Africa’s youth is watching (you) with confidence and pride.” The Dakar Youth Games will welcome a refugee Olympic team. The opening ceremony takes place on 31 October.
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