Senegal to Host First African Youth Olympics in Dakar

Senegal will host the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games, marking the first time an Olympic event is held on African soil. The Games open on Saturday, October 31, and run for 15 days until November 13.

Some 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under are expected to compete across 25 sports in 153 medal events. Ten additional engagement sports will be held without medals awarded. Competitions will take place at eight venues across three cities: Dakar, Diamniadio about thirty kilometers away, and Saly around 80 kilometers from the capital on the coast.

“Africa has hosted many international competitions but this is the first time we have anything labelled with the Olympic rings.”

In total, 136 Senegalese athletes will take part in the event. Sports include athletics, beach wrestling, skateboarding, basketball, rugby sevens, breaking, cycling, fencing, coastal rowing and beach volleyball.

The Games open while Senegal faces a severe economic crisis and heavy national debt. Authorities have displayed signs across Dakar reading "Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates," yet excitement remains limited in the capital as many citizens worry about the high cost of living, unemployment and economic hardship.

IOC official Christophe Dubi called hosting the Youth Olympics "monumental" for Africa. He said it is the first time the continent has anything labelled with the Olympic rings.

Thierno Cisse, deputy chief operating officer of the Local Organising Committee, said the whole country feels the weight of the moment. He added that Senegal knows it will be ambassadors for Africa and must proudly represent the continent.

The Youth Olympics were first held in Singapore in 2010, followed by Nanjing in 2014 and Buenos Aires in 2018. Dakar was originally due to host in 2022 before the Covid-19 pandemic forced a postponement.