YOUNG swimming standout Jamesray Mishael Ajido will be the flag-bearer for a small Philippine contingent in the parade of athletes during the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on October 31 in Dakar.
Ajido, 16, and eight other Filipino athletes aged no older that 17 are competing in six of the 25 sports in Dakar 2026, the first time that an Olympic competition is being staged on African soil.
‘The YOG are as tough as the Summer Olympics,’ said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, who will fly to the Dakar this week ahead of the Opening Ceremony at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio that will feature the culture and music of the host country under the theme ‘Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates.’
An advanced party for Team Philippines headed by chef de mission Rocky Samson-secretary-general of the Philippine Taekwondo Association-took an arduous 29-hour flight over the weekend to Senegal that will be hosting for 14 days close to 3,000 athletes from 203 nations.
Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman are the country’s representatives in swimming and they will plunge into the swimming competitions that start on November 1, the same day wushu’s Angel Polo (Women’s Taijiquan combined) also starts her campaign.
Artistic gymnastics start running on November 7 with Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III campaigning, followed the next day by cycling with Maritanya Krog seeing action in women’s road and individual time trial.
Athletics action also starts on November 8 with Team Philippines pinning its hopes on Pi Durden Wangkay (Men’s 200m) and Naomi Marjorie Caesar (Women’s 800m).
The country’s ninth athlete, Jade Justine Justiniane, also takes his turn beginning November 8 in windsurfing of sailing.
The Philippines has so far two medals in the YOG-Luis Gabriel Moreno won a gold medal in mixed international team event of archery with China’s Li Jiaman in Nanjing and Christian Tio silver in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding.
Youth and sports unite in Dakar
DRAWIN on this historical significance, the YOG in Dakar will see youth and sport unite in peaceful competition and drive the transformation of Senegal, the host nation, while providing a source of inspiration for the whole of Africa.
Marking a milestone for the continent, Dakar 2026 will be the first Olympic event held in Africa.
More than just a sporting event, it will be an opportunity to highlight Senegal’s cultural wealth and Africa’s growing role in the Olympic Movement.
By celebrating the continent’s diversity and potential, the Games aim to inspire and set a reference point for future Youth Olympic hosts.
The Dakar YOG will also be a platform for mutual exchange as they will introduce the world’s best young athletes to Teranga-the Wolof word that embodies Senegal’s unique spirit of warmth, respect and hospitality-while promoting the Olympic values among young people in Senegal and across the African continent.
Teranga is deeply rooted in Senegalese life, reflecting a culture of generosity and openness toward others.
Dakar 2026 represents a platform for cultural exchange activities and the promotion of African and other cultures around the world.
Acting as a catalyst to engage Senegal’s young people through the development of national sport and youth policies and the spirit of volunteering, it aims to transform their lives and bring sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits.
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It will also be the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games to feature a Refugee Olympic Team, composed of athletes based in Africa.
This reflects the International Olympic Committee’s continued commitment to supporting refugees and displaced persons through sport at all levels. With Olympics.com