Kagame attends opening ceremony of Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame arrived in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday to attend the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

Kagame joined his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and other dignitaries at the ceremony held at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium.

The Games, organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), bring together talented young athletes, most of them aged between 15 and 17. Beyond competition, the event promotes Olympic values, including excellence, friendship, respect and solidarity.

Rwanda is represented by nine athletes competing in five sports: athletics, swimming, cycling, taekwondo and kung fu wushu.

The competitions are taking place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, and will run until November 13, 2026.

Approximately 2,700 athletes are expected to compete in 25 sports, with 153 medal events scheduled.

By hosting the Games, Senegal has become the first African country to host an Olympic event.