DIAMNIADIO, Senegal (AP) — The Youth Olympic Games opened in Senegal on Saturday, the first Olympic event in Africa as the continent seeks a bigger role in international sports competitions.

Tens of thousands of spectators cheered on the opening ceremony in the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium near the capital Dakar. Hundreds of drummers and dancers celebrated Senegalese and African culture in line with the Games motto, “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates.”

“This is a historic event and it was so important for me to be here,” said Aby Diouf, 25, a Senegalese spectator at the stadium. “It’s a marvellous celebration and we are all here to bring the energy and get people hyped."

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