Omanghana
The Youth Olympic flame for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games has been lit at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece, officially beginning the countdown to the first Olympic sporting event to be staged on African soil.
The ceremony brought together representatives from Greece, Senegal and the international Olympic movement to celebrate the symbolic connection between the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games and Africa’s first opportunity to host an Olympic competition.
In accordance with Olympic tradition, the flame was lit using the sun’s rays reflected through a parabolic mirror. Greek actress Katerina Misichroni, who served as the High Priestess during the ceremony, later handed it to the first torchbearer, Greek track and field athlete Eleni Yakovaki.
Isidoros Kouvelos, president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, subsequently presented the flame to Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, president of the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee. The handover formally transferred responsibility for the flame to the Senegalese delegation ahead of its journey to Africa.
Dakar 2026 Ambassador and Senegalese Olympic swimmer Oumy Diop also participated in the ceremony alongside other young Senegalese athletes. Their involvement reflected the Games’ focus on the next generation of African sporting talent.
Olympic officials described the occasion as a historic milestone, highlighting the significance of taking the flame from Greece to Senegal. The journey represents a symbolic link between the ancient origins of the Olympic movement and a new chapter for sport on the African continent.
The flame will be carried to Senegal in a protective lantern before receiving an official welcome in Dakar. A celebration featuring cultural performances is expected to mark its arrival in the West African country.
Following the reception, the flame will embark on a nationwide relay under the theme “Pass the Energy.” The tour is expected to cover approximately 3,600 kilometers and visit more than 30 locations across all 14 regions of Senegal.
The relay will give communities throughout the country an opportunity to participate in the buildup to the Games. It is also expected to promote Olympic values, encourage youth participation in sport and showcase Senegal’s cultural diversity.
The fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games will take place from October 31 to November 13, with about 2,700 young athletes expected to compete. Events will be staged across Dakar, Diamniadio and the coastal resort town of Saly.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, formally welcoming athletes and delegations from around the world.
Dakar 2026 is expected to provide a major platform for young competitors while strengthening Africa’s position within the global Olympic movement. Beyond the competitions, organizers hope the Games will leave a lasting legacy through improved sporting infrastructure, skills development and increased opportunities for young people in Senegal and across the continent.
Source: Omanghana
