Dakar 2026: Diomaye Faye officially opens the Youth Olympics as Africa makes history

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially opened the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. “I declare the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar open,” he said. The ceremony celebrated Senegalese identity and Africa’s cultural diversity before a large crowd. Dakar is the first African city to host the Youth Olympics.