The first edition of the Youth Olympic Games on African soil was celebrated with great emotion by Kirsty Coventry. During the opening ceremony of Dakar 2026, on Saturday, October 31, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) hailed a significant moment for Senegal, the continent, and the Olympic movement.
“This is a historic moment for Senegal. For Africa. For our entire Olympic family,” she stated in remarks reported by Wiwsport.
The IOC president expressed her gratitude to the Senegalese authorities, the organizing committee of the Games, and the entire population for their warm welcome and dedication.
As an African woman, she also emphasized her pride in participating in this event and paid tribute to Senegalese youth. She highlighted their creativity and dynamism, assets that contribute to making these Games an event designed “by the youth and for the youth.”
Kirsty Coventry finally encouraged young athletes to believe in their aspirations and to take advantage of this opportunity to enrich themselves through interactions with others. For her, the YOG go beyond athletic performances; they also promote cultural exchanges, meetings, and friendships among young people from different countries.
After Singapore, Nanjing, and Buenos Aires, Dakar is hosting the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games.
