Monaco at the First Youth Olympic Games in Africa: Prince Albert II in Dakar and Valentine Platini Competes

The Principality of Monaco is among the participants in the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, an event set to mark a turning point in the history of the Olympic movement. For the first time, the African continent is hosting an Olympic event, with Dakar at the centre of a competition bringing together young athletes and delegations from around the world.

Representing Monaco is Valentine Platini, a young Monegasque equestrian competing in the equestrian events. Her participation carries particular significance for the Principality, which is reaffirming its commitment to international sport and Olympic values.

Prince Albert II Attends the Opening Ceremony in Dakar

On Saturday, 31 October, Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, alongside international delegations.

The event celebrated an unprecedented moment for African sport, bringing an Olympic competition to the continent for the first time and highlighting sport’s role as a platform for dialogue, inclusion and cooperation among nations.

During the ceremony, Valentine Platini took part in the flag-raising alongside equestrian delegations from several countries, representing Monaco in a highly symbolic setting.

Prince Albert II Meets Valentine Platini in Diamniadio

On Sunday, 1 November, the Sovereign visited the equestrian centre in Diamniadio, approximately 30 kilometres from Dakar, to meet the young Monegasque athlete in person.

Accompanied by Ingmar de Vos, president of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and representatives of the organising committee, Prince Albert II offered Valentine Platini his encouragement ahead of her competitions.

The visit was a significant moment for the Monegasque delegation, highlighting the Principality’s support for young sporting talent and the development of the next generation of athletes.

Sport and Development: The Olympic Movement’s Role

Prince Albert II’s visit to Senegal formed part of a broader programme of institutional meetings focusing on the relationship between sport, development and international cooperation.

Having travelled to Senegal from Cameroon, the Sovereign chaired the international summit Sport and Development: From Olympic Momentum to a Lasting Legacy, attended by the President of the Republic of Senegal and numerous institutional representatives.

The meeting highlighted sport’s potential as a driver of social development, the importance of creating opportunities for young people and the need to build a lasting legacy through major international events.

Prince Albert II Meets Kirsty Coventry and Attends Competitions

During his visit to Dakar, the Prince met Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reaffirming Monaco’s close ties with the Olympic institutions.

Prince Albert II also attended several competitions, including swimming, futsal, rugby sevens and table tennis.

One of the highlights of his visit was the presentation of medals in the men’s 100-metre butterfly, further underlining the Sovereign’s involvement in the sporting celebrations.

Valentine Platini, Monaco’s Representative at the Youth Olympic Games

For the Principality of Monaco, this edition of the Youth Olympic Games also has a face: Valentine Platini, who is representing her country at an event destined to become part of sporting history.

The young equestrian embodies participation, commitment and sporting development in an international setting that places the next generation and intercultural exchange at its heart.

Prince Albert II’s presence in Dakar, together with his support for the Monegasque athlete, confirms the importance Monaco attaches to sport as a vehicle for national representation, dialogue and the promotion of Olympic values.

This is a historic edition not only for Senegal and Africa, but also for the Principality of Monaco, which is taking part in an event focused on the future of world sport.

Source: Palais Princier de Monaco, statement dated 2 November 2026.
Photographs: FEI/Kirsty Pasto – DR – IOC/Greg Martin.