History was made on African soil for the first time on Saturday, as the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games officially opened at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, Senegal.
More than 2,600 young athletes from 205 delegations marched into the arena, a sea of national colours and traditional dress, in front of a crowd that refused to stop cheering.
The opening ceremony leaned heavily into African culture and rhythm. Legendary Senegalese musician Baaba Maal led the parade, backed by 360 dancers who formed a living map of the continent across the stadium floor.
Dakar 2026 Organising Committee President Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye and IOC President Kirsty Coventry both spoke before Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared the Games officially open.
"For years, we have talked about this moment. The first Olympic sporting event on African soil. And now, here we are!" Coventry said. "This historic moment is for Senegal and for Africa and for our entire Olympic family. To all of our amazing young athletes, are you ready for this? You are going to have the time of your lives, and I am so excited for you!"
She added that young Senegalese had shaped the Games well beyond the field of competition. "Not just young athletes competing, but the young people of Senegal who have helped bring these Games to life. With your ideas, your creativity, your energy. These really are Games for the youth, by the youth. You have opened your arms and your hearts to the world. This is the spirit of Teranga," she said, using the Wolof word for hospitality.
The ceremony closed with fencer Abdourahmane Marième Sy and judoka Aïcha Diop jointly lighting the Youth Olympic cauldron, to a roar from the stadium.
Competition is now underway across all three host clusters, with events ranging from the traditional Olympic programme to street skateboarding, beach wrestling, futsal, and the Youth Olympic debut of wushu.
For sailing fans, the wait continues a little longer. Racing begins on 8 November with Men's and Women's Windsurfing at the coastal resort venue of Saly Beach.
