"VAN" (Sports Desk - 06.11.2026) :: For Jamila Lunkuse, Olympic swimmer from Uganda and one of Dakar 2026's Athlete Role Models, the Youth Olympic Games represent far more than a major international sporting event. It is a moment to showcase the continent’s growing sporting ambitions and an opportunity to inspire the next generation of swimmers. From the energy and storytelling of the opening ceremony to the atmosphere inside the competition venues, Lunkuse has enjoyed an event that she believes could have a lasting impact on African sport. “The vibe is quite high,” she said, describing the opening days. “The opening ceremony was just such a beautiful experience.” For Lunkuse, one of the most encouraging aspects has been the sense of togetherness surrounding the competition. “I went for the finals yesterday and it was really nice to see the locals sharing [with] other countries […] when someone would win, they'll stand up and clap and it was just really nice to witness”. This atmosphere has extended to the athletes themselves. Walking through the preparation areas, Lunkuse was pleased to see, “so many athletes mingling together and the excitement in the area”.
On Fri, Nov 6, 2026