Senegalese skateboarders gear up for Dakar Youth Olympic Games at country’s first skatepark

DAKAR, SENEGAL - OCTOBER 29: Senegalese skateboarders are rigorously training to secure rankings for the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympics on African soil.With skateboarding now an Olympic sport, more youth are pursuing it to compete globally.Senegal’s first skatepark, opened in 2022 in Dakar’s Ngor district, is a daily hub for young enthusiasts. Founded by national skateboarder Moussa Mbengue, the skatepark serves as a vital training ground, inspiring skateboarders aiming for success in the upcoming Games.Since Dakar was selected as the host city for the 2026 Youth Olympics, activity in the park has surged, with many families bringing their children for training. Currently, 67 young people, aged 5 to 18, are preparing for the Olympics.The park has nurtured several promising skateboarders, including 17-year-old Cherif Maleyni Samb, the recent national skateboarding champion, and 16-year-old Hadia Diallo, who aims to represent Senegal in the Olympics.The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games mark a historic moment as Africa hosts the Olympics for the first time since the modern Games began in Greece in 1896.Although Egypt and South Africa previously bid, Senegal won the rights.Originally set for 2022, the Games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will now feature 244 competitions across 35 sports in three cities, including Dakar.(Footage by Cem Özdel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)