A colourful celebration of African culture, youth and sporting unity officially opened the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, Senegal, on Saturday 31 October.
With around 50,000 spectators in attendance, the ceremony brought together young athletes from around the world and showcased the continent’s rich cultural heritage. More than 1,100 performers took part in the programme, which used music, dance and visual storytelling to connect Africa’s past, present and future.
The ceremony was attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, senior government officials and distinguished guests from around the world, reflecting the significance of this historic occasion.
The artistic programme celebrated Senegalese traditions and African identity, with performances inspired by storytelling and the passing of cultural heritage between generations. The Parade of Nations added another memorable moment, bringing participating delegations together in a celebration of international friendship and unity.
ISSF Executive Committee member Melis Giraud, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the remarkable atmosphere in Dakar, the scale of the organisation and the commitment of the many volunteers and officials supporting the Games. The hospitality of the Senegalese people and the enthusiasm of the spectators were among the most striking features of the opening celebrations.
With around 50,000 spectators in attendance, the ceremony brought together young athletes from around the world and showcased the continent’s rich cultural heritage. More than 1,100 performers took part in the programme, which used music, dance and visual storytelling to connect Africa’s past, present and future.
The ceremony was attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, senior government officials and distinguished guests from around the world, reflecting the significance of this historic occasion.
The artistic programme celebrated Senegalese traditions and African identity, with performances inspired by storytelling and the passing of cultural heritage between generations. The Parade of Nations added another memorable moment, bringing participating delegations together in a celebration of international friendship and unity.
ISSF Executive Committee member Melis Giraud, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the remarkable atmosphere in Dakar, the scale of the organisation and the commitment of the many volunteers and officials supporting the Games. The hospitality of the Senegalese people and the enthusiasm of the spectators were among the most striking features of the opening celebrations.
ISSF brings shooting sport to young people in Dakar
Running from 31 October to 13 November, Dakar 2026 will welcome approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world. Competitions will take place across 25 sports in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, alongside an Engagement Programme designed to connect young people and local communities with a wider range of sporting activities.
Although shooting sport is not included as a medal sport at these Games, the ISSF is participating in the Dakar 2026 Engagement Programme, offering interactive activities to introduce young people and spectators to the sport.
Running from 31 October to 13 November, Dakar 2026 will welcome approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world. Competitions will take place across 25 sports in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, alongside an Engagement Programme designed to connect young people and local communities with a wider range of sporting activities.
Although shooting sport is not included as a medal sport at these Games, the ISSF is participating in the Dakar 2026 Engagement Programme, offering interactive activities to introduce young people and spectators to the sport.
Through these activities, the ISSF aims to encourage participation and showcase the values of precision, concentration, discipline and respect that are central to shooting sport.
Dakar 2026 will also welcome the first-ever Youth Refugee Olympic Team, reinforcing the role of sport in promoting inclusion and bringing people from different backgrounds together.
As the Games continue until 13 November, Dakar 2026 provides a platform for young athletes to compete, build friendships and experience the Olympic values, while placing African culture, creativity and youth at the centre of the international sporting stage.
Dakar 2026 will also welcome the first-ever Youth Refugee Olympic Team, reinforcing the role of sport in promoting inclusion and bringing people from different backgrounds together.
As the Games continue until 13 November, Dakar 2026 provides a platform for young athletes to compete, build friendships and experience the Olympic values, while placing African culture, creativity and youth at the centre of the international sporting stage.