Youth Olympic Games organisers hail Senegal's capability to host major events

Moving on to some sports news. After two weeks and over 150 events, the Youth Olympic Games have come to an end in Senegal. A closing ceremony for the nearly 3,000 young athletes took place on Friday evening at the Olympic Village in Diamniadio, outside the capital Dakar. It was the first ever Olympic competition to be held on African soil, and organizers are hailing it as further proof that the continent is ready to host major international sporting events. Let's take a Take a listen to the president of the The IOC Zimbabwean swimmer, Kirstie Coventry. Really, I think that everyone came here with certain expectations and I think those expectations have been far exceeded and my part of my wish for these games is that we as Africa and the continent understand our full potential and now it's for us to realize and we really as a continent have to be very proud and as Senegal you need to be extremely proud of everything that you've brought together and delivered. And now I think we've shown the world the capability that we have. And now we need to choose to take that forward. While China topped the medal table, five African countries finished in the top 10. Our correspondent Aminatou Diallo tells us more. After two weeks of fierce competition, China topped the medal table at these Youth Olympic Games with 33 medals, including 18 gold. African athletes also made their mark with 19 countries from the continent winning medals. Egypt, Ethiopia, Senegal, Kenya and South Africa were among Africa's leading performers. Host nation Senegal finished the games with 12 medals, including five gold. 16-year-old Elisabeth Diata made history, winning the country's first ever Olympic gold medal on women's beach wrestling. For these young athletes who came from all around the world, there were medals to win and record breaks, but also friendship, new experiences and memories to take home. Yeah, this is my first time in Senegal. It's been a really good experience. I'm really enjoying it. It's been really nice to be here and get to see all the other countries as well all come to one place. It's been pretty amazing. The organisation has been really good. Everything we need is available which is great. It was my first time in Senegal and it was amazing. I really loved it. From packed stands to activities along the Corniche, Senegalese spectators embraced the Games. For many it was a chance to discover new sports, cheer on young talents and witness history on home soil. It felt like a dream. It was truly incredible to see. We can hardly believe that something so huge, so international, could take place right here in Dakar. Here in Dakar. You get to meet people from different cultures and exchange with them. It's an amazing experience, something you really get to live. It makes us proud to be Senegalese. Yeah, that's Senegalese. Dakar 2026 is now over but for Senegal the challenge is to keep the olympic spirit alive and make sure the enthusiasm sparked by these historic games inspire a new generation to take up sports.