BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Senegal was officially confirmed as the host of the 2022 summer Youth Olympic Games at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session here on Monday.

The African country has thus become the first African host of any Olympic event.

The Senegalese capital of Dakar was unanimously chosen in a vote of IOC members in Buenos Aires where the third edition of the Youth Olympics began on Oct. 6 and is running through to Oct. 18.

"Dakar 2022 presented a visionary, ambitious and technically sound Youth Olympic Games project that addresses the long-term aims of the country," an IOC statement said.

The 2022 Youth Olympics will take place in Senegal between May and June.

While Dakar will host the bulk of the 2022 Games activities, competitions will also be held in Diamniadio and Saly.

IOC president Thomas Bach said: "Africa is united behind Senegal to host the Youth Olympic Games 2022. With a young population and a passion for sport, it is time for Africa, it is time for Senegal."

Senegal's President Macky Sall said the announcement made his country proud. "It is the whole of Africa, the birthplace of humankind through its history and the youngest continent through its demographics, which will welcome the young athletes of the world in 2022," he said. Enditem

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