International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry arrived in Dakar, Senegal, on Monday ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking a major milestone for African sport. The Games, the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil, are expected to bring together about 2,700 young athletes, mainly aged 15 to 17, to compete across 35 sports.
Coventry, a former Zimbabwean Olympic swimmer, is the first African and the first woman to lead the IOC. She was welcomed by volunteers upon her arrival and expressed excitement about Senegal’s preparations and its opportunity to showcase African culture to the world. “I’m very excited to be here,” Coventry said, praising the atmosphere and expressing confidence in Senegal’s ability to welcome athletes and visitors. Beyond competition, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games aim to inspire young people, promote Olympic values and use sport to encourage peace, friendship and international solidarity.
The program includes wushu, a Chinese martial art, Baseball5, a fast-paced variant of baseball, and skateboarding, offering young athletes opportunities to compete in a diverse range of disciplines. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday in Diamniadio, about 40 kilometers from Dakar. Events will be staged across Diamniadio, Dakar and the coastal city of Saly over the two-week competition period. First held in Singapore in 2010, the Youth Olympic Games provide a platform for young athletes to compete internationally while promoting cultural exchange and the Olympic spirit. Dakar 2026 represents a significant step in expanding the Olympic movement’s presence across Africa.
