IOC President joins young people in Dakar (SEN) savouring the joy of Pentathlon

IOC President Kirsty Coventry was among the visitors as UIPM opened its come-and-try Pentathlon activation during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Young people from across the host nation, Senegal, tried their hand at Obstacle Racing and Laser Shooting as the activation opened. And President Coventry joined fellow African Olympian Yasser Hefny of Egypt in helping kids to hone their technique in the Pentathlon disciplines.

The activation was built from scratch by UIPM’s team onsite in Dakar (POR), led by former YOG competitor Eduardo Oliveira of Portugal.

UIPM President Rob Stull OLY said: “On day one of the Youth Olympic Games, the eyes of the Africa continent were opened to the fun and excitement and diversity of Pentathlon and saw just how accessible and economical our sport can be.

“These Games are a milestone for the IOC and the Olympic movement for the development of Olympic sport in Africa. A big thank you to the volunteers and people of Senegal and Dakar!”

Dakar 2026 Athlete Role Model Yasser Hefny OLY added: “The greatest victory here is the joy in the eyes of the local kids trying sports for the very first time. If one child goes to bed tonight inspired to become a future Olympic champion, then we have succeeded. That is everything.

“It has been a wonderful experience being an Athlete Ambassador here at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, and we were so happy to be visited by the IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, who could see for herself the joy of trying a new sport and the potential of the young people visiting our activation.”