Africa·Senegal
Dakar opens the Youth Olympics — the first Olympic event ever held in Africa
DAKAR —
Depth
Dig five layers into this story — from what happened to the full picture.
L1What happened
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye opened the Games on Saturday before tens of thousands at Diamniadio Olympic Stadium near Dakar, under the motto “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates.”
L2Who’s affected
About 2,700 athletes aged 14 to 17 compete through Nov. 13 in Dakar, Diamniadio and the beach resort of Saly, in 153 medal events across 25 sports.
L3Why it’s quiet
Analysis · OVERLOOKED Africa has never hosted an Olympic event of any kind; that alone makes this news.
L4Deeper impact
The first refugee team at a Youth Olympics fields six athletes based in Kenya and Uganda, in track and field, judo and taekwondo.
L5Full context
Dakar was originally due to host in 2022 but the pandemic delayed it. Singapore hosted the first summer Youth Games in 2010.
You’ve reached the bottom. Read the original reporting below.
Original reporting
This is an OVERLOOKED summary of the reporting above. Facts and figures come from the linked sources. Everything here is a fact unless it is labelled otherwise. Support this work.
Alerts Get stories like this in your inbox — a daily roundup, breaking news, or both. Sign up for alerts →