DAKAR, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry hailed a historic milestone for Senegal and Africa at the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Saturday, praising the Senegalese people's warm hospitality and highlighting the power of sport to unite young people around the world.
"This is a historic moment for Senegal. For Africa. For our entire Olympic family," Coventry said.
Coventry expressed her gratitude to the Senegalese government, the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee and, above all, the people of Senegal for their efforts in making the Games a reality.
"What an incredible welcome you have given our athletes!" she said.
Emphasizing the central role of young people in Dakar 2026, Coventry highlighted not only the athletes competing at the Games but also the Senegalese youth whose ideas, creativity and energy had helped make the event possible.
"These really are Games by the youth, for the youth," she said.
Coventry, who hails from Zimbabwe, spoke with particular emotion about the historic opportunity for Africa to host the Olympic Movement on the continent for the first time.
"I have to tell you - this makes me incredibly proud," she said. "Proud to be from Zimbabwe. Proud to be an African woman."
The Youth Olympic Games mark a landmark chapter in Olympic history, bringing the international sporting community to Africa and placing Senegal at the center of a global celebration of youth and sport.
"Sport opened so many doors in my life. Be brave. Make new friends. Get to know people from different countries. Cheer each other on. And have fun!" she told the athletes.
Concluding her speech, Coventry urged athletes, spectators and viewers around the world to embrace the occasion and celebrate the spirit of the Games.
"To everybody watching or competing, let's make every moment count!" she added. "And now: Dakar - let's celebrate!"
