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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, 31 October, Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, alongside international delegations.<\/p>\n
The event celebrated an unprecedented moment for African sport, bringing an Olympic competition to the continent for the first time and highlighting sport\u2019s role as a platform for dialogue, inclusion and cooperation among nations.<\/p>\n
During the ceremony, Valentine Platini took part in the flag-raising alongside equestrian delegations from several countries, representing Monaco in a highly symbolic setting.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Accompanied by Ingmar de Vos, president of the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Equestre Internationale (FEI), and representatives of the organising committee, Prince Albert II offered Valentine Platini his encouragement ahead of her competitions.<\/p>\n
The visit was a significant moment for the Monegasque delegation, highlighting the Principality\u2019s support for young sporting talent and the development of the next generation of athletes.<\/p>\n
Prince Albert II\u2019s visit to Senegal formed part of a broader programme of institutional meetings focusing on the relationship between sport, development and international cooperation.<\/p>\n
Having travelled to Senegal from Cameroon, the Sovereign chaired the international summit Sport and Development: From Olympic Momentum to a Lasting Legacy<\/em>, attended by the President of the Republic of Senegal and numerous institutional representatives.<\/p>\n The meeting highlighted sport\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n During his visit to Dakar, the Prince met Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reaffirming Monaco\u2019s close ties with the Olympic institutions.<\/p>\n Prince Albert II also attended several competitions, including swimming, futsal, rugby sevens and table tennis.<\/p>\n One of the highlights of his visit was the presentation of medals in the men\u2019s 100-metre butterfly, further underlining the Sovereign\u2019s involvement in the sporting celebrations.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The young equestrian embodies participation, commitment and sporting development in an international setting that places the next generation and intercultural exchange at its heart.<\/p>\n Prince Albert II\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Source:<\/strong> Palais Princier de Monaco, statement dated 2 November 2026. 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35921,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[846,874,861,853],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actuality","category-actuality-in-monaco","category-monaco-en","category-sport-en"],"yoast_head":"\nPrince Albert II Meets Kirsty Coventry and Attends Competitions<\/h2>\n
Valentine Platini, Monaco\u2019s Representative at the Youth Olympic Games<\/h2>\n
\nPhotographs:<\/strong> FEI\/Kirsty Pasto \u2013 DR \u2013 IOC\/Greg Martin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"