Prince Albert attends Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Albert II, Prince of Monaco, has attended the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

Upon arrival, Prince Albert was welcomed by Mr Guédel Ndiaye, Monaco’s Honorary Consul in Senegal. Prince Albert participated in the Dakar 2026 Summit, dedicated to the theme “Sport and Development: From Olympic Momentum to a Lasting Legacy.” The summit brought together several heads of state and international figures. The President of the Republic of Senegal also attended. Afterwards, an official luncheon took place.

In the evening, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games opening ceremony featured music and dance. A Monegasque rider, Valentine Platini, raised the colours alongside equestrian delegations of other nations.

The next day began with several meetings, including one with Ms Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). After his meetings, Prince Albert travelled to Diamniadio, where he visited the equestrian centre with Mr Ingmar de Vos, President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and IOC member, and Mr Ibrahima Wade, Director General of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee, as well as the Monegasque delegation. Prince Albert met Valentine Platini at Diamniadio and conveyed Monaco’s encouragement.

Prince Albert then visited the DEX, an infrastructure dedicated to hosting major national and international events. He then continued to the Egg Complex, dedicated to swimming events. He attended the men’s 100-meter butterfly and presented the medals.

At the Iba-Mar-Diop sports complex, the Prince toured facilities dedicated to athlete training and competition. He attended a futsal match, followed by the Venezuela-Ukraine match and then the France-Argentina rugby sevens match. He also attended a table tennis match.