With Eugenia Maria Polykarpou and Vladimiro Charalambous serving as flag bearers, the Cyprus Olympic Committee delegation marched 44th among the 205 participating delegations.
Cyprus is represented at the event by eight male and female athletes competing in six sports.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
With a spectacular opening ceremony, full of colors, music, and elements of African cultural tradition, the 4th “Dakar 2026” Summer Youth Olympic Games kicked off on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Senegal.
The delegation from the Cyprus Olympic Committee was present at the ceremony, marching in 44th position among the 205 participating delegations. The Cypriot flag was carried jointly by rower Eugenia Maria Polykarpou and judoka Vladimiros Charalambous, who had the honor of representing Cyprus at this significant moment in the event.
Cyprus’s presence at the opening ceremony marks the beginning of our country’s young athletes’ journey in this great celebration of the Olympic spirit, camaraderie, and sports.
Eight athletes competing in six sports
The Cyprus Olympic Committee is participating in the Games with eight athletes in six different sports, marking a particularly significant presence for Cyprus at the event. The delegation consists of the following athletes:
- Swimming: Andrew Marcus Lagoutis and Maria Kermanou
- Rowing: Eugenia Maria Polykarpou
- Fencing: Aris Kagias
- Track and Field: Marina Hatzikosta and Andreas Panteli
- Taekwondo: Ioanna Konstantinou
- Judo: Vladimiros Charalambous
This year’s participation is particularly significant, as Cyprus is represented for the first time at the Youth Olympic Games in the sports of rowing, fencing, and taekwondo.
205 participating delegations in a historic event:
The “Dakar 2026” Youth Olympic Games mark a historic milestone for the Olympic Movement, as they are the first Olympic sporting event to be hosted on the African continent.
Approximately 2,650 young male and female athletes are participating in the event, representing 204 National Olympic Committees, as well as the Olympic Refugee Team, for a total of 205 participating delegations.
The Games will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026, with competitions held in Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. The program includes 25 sports, offering young athletes from around the world the opportunity to compete, exchange experiences, and forge bonds of friendship through the values of Olympism.
A ceremony dedicated to African culture and youth:
The opening ceremony took place at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio and was a spectacular celebration of Senegal’s culture, creativity, and hospitality.
Featuring more than 1,100 artists, the ceremony showcased Africa’s history and cultural heritage, connecting the continent’s past, present, and future. The central theme of the artistic production was “The Rise of Sitoé,” which highlighted the continent’s cultural identity, its historical continuity, and the role of young people in shaping the future.
Traditional dances, percussion, music, elements of traditional Senegalese wrestling, and contemporary artistic expressions came together to create a multifaceted spectacle, highlighting the richness and diversity of African culture. The ceremony featured, among others, well-known artists such as Baaba Maal, Kiné Lam, and the Daara J Family.
Following the parade of the delegations and the raising of the Olympic flag, the Olympic Oath and the official speeches took place. The President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, officially declared the Games open, while two young Senegalese athletes lit the Olympic cauldron, bringing the ceremony to a close.
