Suriname is preparing to showcase its next generation of sporting talent on the global stage, with three young athletes set to compete at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

The Surinamese delegation includes swimmers Elya Powdar and Sean Verno Dipokromo, alongside long-jump athlete Leyon Cyrus. The trio has been making final preparations for the competition, which runs from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

The event is expected to bring together approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world, competing across 25 sports. Dakar 2026 marks a historic milestone as the first Olympic sporting event to be hosted on African soil.

Suriname has a proud Olympic history in athletics. In 2014, Miquel van Assen won gold in the triple jump at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. The upcoming competition gives the current generation another opportunity to gain international experience and pursue sporting success.

Powdar and Dipokromo will represent Suriname in swimming, while Cyrus will compete in long jump. Their participation highlights the importance of continued investment in youth development, coaching and opportunities for athletes to compete internationally.

For Suriname, the Games are about more than medals: they offer young athletes a chance to test their abilities, represent their country and gain experience that could shape their future careers. Supporters will be watching as the three athletes begin their international campaign in Dakar.