00:01tens of thousands of people flocked to the abdulai award stadium in diamnage on saturday for the
00:09opening ceremony of the 2026 youth olympic games it is the first time an olympic event is coming to
00:18africa honestly it's a great source of pride this is the first time africa is hosting the event
00:26and senegal has the honor it's truly a wonderful thing we're really really proud to welcome new
00:34countries to our country we're going to show them our country it's truly a source of pride to be
00:40senegalese senegal is rallying behind the organizers to show today that africa has put together top-notch
00:48competitions and mobilized its youth around this major olympic event the ceremony lasted over three
00:57hours in a very colorful atmosphere complete with sound and light in front of hundreds of young
01:04people president basir jamaifi declared the games open it went really really well we nailed it the
01:14choreography was beautiful and i think that for a debut in africa it was truly an exceptional moment
01:19and senegal really carried the torch was super happy that's all i actually cried it was really emotional
01:29it was really emotional honestly it was magnificent for us especially since it was the first time in
01:36africa hats off respect the wait was long but it was worth it after this beautiful and memorable opening
01:43ceremony now it's time to take to the field for these hundreds of young athletes who have come to
01:49dakar to pursue their olympic dreams
