IOC president arrives in Senegal ahead of the Youth Olympic Games
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry arrived in Dakar, Senegal’s capital, on Monday ahead of the upcoming Youth Olympic Games.
The event, which will be the first Olympic competition hosted on African soil, is expected to feature 2,700 young athletes, mostly aged between 15 and 17, competing across 35 sporting disciplines.
Coventry, a Zimbabwean and the first African and first woman to lead the IOC, was welcomed by dozens of volunteers upon her arrival.
Expressing her excitement, she said she was delighted that the long-awaited event was finally approaching, adding that the atmosphere was encouraging.
She also expressed confidence in Senegal’s ability to give athletes and visitors from around the world a memorable experience while showcasing African traditions and culture.
Beyond competition, the Youth Olympic Games aim to inspire young people, promote Olympic values and highlight the role of sport in fostering peace and solidarity.
Wushu, a Chinese martial art, baseball5 and skateboarding are among the sports set to make their Olympic debut at the Dakar Games.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday in Diamniadio, approximately 40 kilometres from Dakar. Competitions will take place over two weeks in Diamniadio, Dakar and the nearby coastal city of Saly.
The Youth Olympic Games were first held in Singapore in 2010.
