The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games opened on Saturday, marking the first time an Olympic event has been held on African soil.
The two-hour opening ceremony took place at the 55,000-seat Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, about 30 kilometres from Senegal's capital, Dakar, with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry in attendance.
The ceremony showcased Africa's cultural heritage through traditional music, dances, costumes and performances, including a 360-dancer formation depicting the continent's map. A separate act highlighted contemporary African art, music and hip-hop.
Following the parade of athletes, Coventry described the occasion as a historic moment for Senegal, Africa and the Olympic movement, encouraging young athletes to dream big.
President Faye officially declared the fourth Summer Youth Olympics open before the Olympic cauldron was lit by Senegalese fencer Abdourahmane Marieme Sy, 17, and judoka Aicha Diop, 15.
The Games will run until November 13 across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, bringing together more than 2,600 athletes from over 200 delegations. The programme features 25 competitive sports and 10 engagement sports, including the debuts of wushu, baseball5 and skateboarding.
The Refugee Olympic Team is also making its first appearance. China has sent 66 athletes to compete in 21 sports.