Uganda's 25 athletes set for Youth Olympic Games opening in Dakar
The stadium, which serves as the home of the Senegal national football team, will host the official opening ceremony as well as the archery and football competitions.
Uganda's 25 athletes set for Youth Olympic Games opening in Dakar
Saturday - Opening Ceremony
Sunday - Rowing and Table Tennis
The fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games gets underway today at the 50,000-capacity Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, Dakar, Senegal.
The stadium, which serves as the home of the Senegal national football team, will host the official opening ceremony as well as the archery and football competitions.
Uganda's contingent of 25 athletes will join approximately 2,700 athletes from around the world for the opening ceremony, marking the start of the competition.
They were later joined by swimmers Zara Marie Mbanga, UK-based Peterson Inhensiko and USA-based Peyton Mary Suubi, alongside their coach, Ezekeri Kalali. Swimmer Arthur Mwase and table tennis player Jemimah Nakawala arrived later after completing their academic commitments.
Upon arrival, each athlete received a brand-new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition smartphone, courtesy of Olympic partner Samsung.
Uganda will compete in seven disciplines: swimming, rugby sevens, athletics, cycling, badminton, table tennis and rowing.
Rower Marcel Otim, badminton player Jemimah Nakawala and table tennis star and team captain Joseph Ssebatindira are expected to be among the first Ugandans in action on Sunday, following the confirmation of their opponents.
Despite the hot conditions in Dakar, Uganda's Chief de Mission, Lydia Dhamuzungu, is optimistic that the young athletes can deliver spirited performances and improve the country's record at the Games.
"Our teams started arriving early enough to prepare, and I am sure by this time they are already used to the environment," Dhamuzungu said.
Uganda's athletics team is expected to be the last group to arrive, with the athletes scheduled to reach Dakar on November 5 before competing from November 8 to 11.
Uganda has participated in all three previous editions of the Youth Olympic Games, winning four medals in total. The country has secured two bronze medals, in 2010 and 2018, a silver medal in 2014, and a gold medal in 2018.
The gold medal was won by Sarah Chelangat in the 3,000 metres at the Games held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2018. As the Ugandan contingent prepares for the latest edition, the young athletes will be hoping to build on that legacy and add to the country's medal tally.