Young Filipino swimmer Jamesray Mishael Ajido has been selected to carry the Philippine flag in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The 16-year-old athlete will be the flagbearer of the Philippine squad in the parade of athletes on October 31 at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. It will mark the start of the fourth Youth Olympic Games, bringing together young competitors from across the globe.
Ajido is one of nine Filipinos to represent the country in the competition. All nine athletes are 17 or younger. They will see action in six sports as the Philippines seeks to build on its past performances in the Youth Olympic Games.
The Dakar event is historic in that it is the first Olympic competition to be held on African soil. From October 31 to November 13, the games will be in Senegal for 14 days. Nearly 3,000 athletes from 203 countries are expected to participate.
Philippine Olympic Committee president “Bambol” Tolentino said the Youth Olympic Games is very tough, even likening the level of competition to the Summer Olympics. He is due to travel to Dakar ahead of the opening ceremony.
The Philippine delegation is headed by chef de mission Rocky Samson, secretary-general of the Philippine Taekwondo Association. A small advance party from the team flew into Senegal following a long flight of some 29 hours.
Ajido and fellow swimmer Riannah Chantelle Coleman will start their events on November 1. Coleman will also be in the pool for the country while Ajido will be in the swimming pool. Wushu athlete Angel Polo will also compete in the women’s taijiquan combined event on the same day.
The Philippine team will also participate in artistic gymnastics, cycling, athletics and windsurfing. Gymnasts Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III are scheduled to see action starting November 7. Cyclist Maritanya Krog will be competing in the women’s road event and individual time trial on November 8.
Pi Durden Wangkay and Naomi Marjorie Caesar will run in the track and field. Wangkay will compete in the men’s 200 meters while Caesar will compete in the women’s 800 meters. Windsurfer Jade Justine Justiniane will also start her competition on Nov. 8.
The Philippines has won two medals in previous Youth Olympic Games. Archer Luis Gabriel Moreno claimed gold in the mixed international team event with China’s Li Jiaman at the 2014 games in Nanjing. Christian Tio won silver in the boys’ twin-tip racing event of kiteboarding in 2018 in Buenos Aires.
The Youth Olympic Games are held every four years and offer young athletes the opportunity to compete internationally and gain experience. For the Filipino delegation, the Dakar competition is a chance to represent the country, test their mettle against other up-and-coming athletes and take another step toward a successful future in sports.
The opening program will show the identity of the host nation, with Senegalese culture and music. The event will also unite athletes from different backgrounds through sport, friendship and shared Olympic values.