Sport News | Opening Ceremony of Youth Olympic Games takes place

A historic moment for sport in Africa

The opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 at the 55,000-capacity Abdoulaye Wade Stadium officially marked the start of the Games in Senegal on Saturday 31 October.

Author | George B

More than 1,000 performers took part in the historic event, as the first Olympic Games to be staged on African soil got under way.

The ceremony featured performances by Kiné Lam and Baaba Maal, alongside a special appearance from social media sensation Khaby Lame.

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, spoke with pride about the event

"I think you're in for something very special! This is the Africa that I am so proud and so excited for the world to experience. And it makes me incredibly proud to be standing here tonight. A proud Zimbabwean. And proud to be an African woman. And so proud that our continent is welcoming the Olympic Movement for the very first time."

Watch | Footage of the ceremony from Olympic Games YouTube account

What are the Youth Olympic Games?

The Youth Olympic Games are an international multi-sport event for athletes aged between 15 and 18. Organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Games take place every four years, alternating between summer and winter editions, in a format similar to the Olympic Games.

The first Summer Youth Olympic Games were held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010, while the inaugural Winter edition took place in Austria from 13 to 22 January 2012.