The ceremony will take place at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, marking the start of the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil.

Organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Youth Olympic Games bring together young athletes, predominantly aged 15 to 17, to compete in various sports while promoting Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect and solidarity.

Rwanda is represented by nine young athletes competing in five disciplines; athletics, swimming, cycling, taekwondo and kung fu wushu.

The competitions will take place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, running until November 13.

Approximately 2,700 athletes are expected to compete in 25 sports, with 153 medal events scheduled.

Senegal's hosting of the Games marks a milestone for African sport, giving the continent its first opportunity to stage an Olympic event.