President Paul Kagame attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, joining Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and other dignitaries at the event.
Kagame arrived at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport, where he was received by Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, ahead of the ceremony.
The Youth Olympic Games, organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), bring together talented young athletes, mainly aged between 15 and 17, to compete in various sporting disciplines.
The event promotes Olympic values, including excellence, friendship, respect and solidarity.
Rwanda is represented by a team of nine athletes competing in five disciplines: athletics, swimming, cycling, taekwondo and kung fu wushu.
The Games are taking place across three Senegalese cities – Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly – and will run until November 13, 2026.
About 2,700 athletes are expected to compete across 25 sports, with 153 sets of medals up for grabs.
Senegal becomes the first African country to host an Olympic event, marking a milestone for the continent’s presence in international sport.
The hosting of the Games also provides an opportunity to showcase Africa’s growing role in the global sporting arena.
