Omanghana
The Olympic flame has arrived in Dakar, marking an important milestone in Senegal’s preparations to host the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games—the first Olympic event to be held on the African continent.
The flame was welcomed at the Place du Souvenir African in Dakar on Saturday, September 12, two days after it was lit at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece.
Senegalese culture featured prominently during the arrival ceremony. A procession of 100 women known as lingeers carried the flame into the venue, symbolizing the transfer of values and traditions from one generation to another.
The Wolof title lingeer is traditionally associated with royal women and queens, giving the procession cultural and historical significance.
Senegalese basketball legend Mame Maty Mbengue later lit the celebration cauldron. Local dignitaries, athletes and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry attended the ceremony.
The arrival formally begins a 46-day torch relay under the theme “Pass the Energy,” which promotes solidarity, youth participation and African heritage.
The flame will travel approximately 3,600 kilometers across all 14 regions of Senegal and make more than 30 stops. Major destinations on the route include Dakar, Thiès, Saint-Louis, Kaolack and Ziguinchor.
The relay will conclude at Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, where the Games’ opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 31.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will run from October 31 to November 13, bringing together approximately 2,700 athletes between the ages of 15 and 18.
Participants will compete in 35 sports across three main host locations—Dakar, Diamniadio and the coastal resort town of Saly.
Beyond the sporting competition, the Games are expected to celebrate African culture, promote youth development and strengthen Senegal’s position as a destination for major international events.
Source: Omanghana
