African athletes are some of the most dynamic competitors in the Olympics but somehow, there has yet to be an official Olympic event hosted in the motherland, until now.
NBC Sports reports Senegal will be hosting the 2022 Youth Olympic Games. This upcoming edition of the games will be the fourth ever.
Senegal was being considered as the home for the 2022 event along with Botswana, Nigeria and Tunisia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) chose the West African nation following a deliberation process on Friday.
"It is time for Africa. Africa is the home of many successful and prominent Olympic athletes," said Thomas Bach, the head of the International Olympics Committee (IOC), "Africa is a continent of youth."
What ultimately persuaded the IOC's decision is the nation's slate of new improvements. As part of Senegal's "Emerging Senegal’" plan, the games will serve as one aspect of the major economic and infrastructure developments underway.
Games will take place in Dakar, the new city of Diamniadio and a coastal resort town called Saly.
The move has reportedly been in the works for quite some time. Olympic officials pushed for considering an African nation for the next major Olympic event after the Winter Olympics in South Korea's Pyeongchang.
According to Al Jazeera, there is still more to be done to make Senegal the official host of the Youth Games. The IOC will formally approve Senegal in October in Buenos Aries, Argentina.
When Senegal finalizes the paperwork, the nation may begin construction for the 2022 games.
Liking this content? Check these out:
Akon Developing Senegalese City That Runs On Cryptocurrency Called 'Akoin'
The Internet Can't Get Enough Of Senegal's World Cup Dance, And You Won't Be Able To Either
The Facial Expressions Of Senegal's Coach Watching His Team Play Are Hilarious, So Of Course, They're Being Memed