ATHENS
The Youth Olympic flame for Dakar 2026 has been lit at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, beginning a symbolic journey from the birthplace of the Olympic Games to Africa, where Senegal is preparing to host the continent’s first Olympic sporting event.
The flame was lit using the sun’s rays in keeping with Olympic tradition before being handed over to the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee. It will now travel to Senegal ahead of a nationwide tour through all 14 regions of the West African country.
The ceremony marks a significant moment for Senegal and the wider African continent. When the Youth Olympic Games open Oct. 31, Dakar will become the first African host of an Olympic sporting event.
“In just a few weeks, Senegal will welcome young athletes from around the world for the first Olympic competition ever to be held on African soil,” International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said. “That is a proud moment for Senegal. And it is a proud moment for Africa. And it is going to open an important new chapter for the Olympic Movement.”
Senegalese Olympian and Dakar 2026 ambassador Oumy Diop also participated in the Athens ceremony. Diop, an Olympic Solidarity scholarship recipient, represented the generation of young Senegalese and African athletes who will be at the center of the Games.
Flame heads to Senegal
The flame is expected to arrive in Dakar on Saturday, where a major celebration will welcome it before the start of its journey across Senegal.
During the trip from Greece, the flame will remain burning in a specially designed lantern that allows it to be transported safely, including by air. Flame guardians will oversee the journey, ensuring the flame carried by torchbearers in Senegal is the same one lit in Athens.
Beginning Sept. 14, the flame will travel through Senegal under the theme “Pass the Energy.”
According to the International Olympic Committee, the theme reflects the idea of passing energy among people, communities and generations as the flame makes its way across Senegal. It is also rooted in the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship.
The tour will continue until Oct. 30 and include more than 30 stages, with several hundred participants expected to take part. Young people, athletes, artists, cultural figures and community representatives will participate in sporting, cultural and educational activities along the route.
Schools and young people will play a prominent role as communities across Senegal prepare to welcome athletes from around the world.
Africa prepares for an Olympic first
The flame’s journey carries particular significance for a continent that has participated in the Olympic movement for generations but has never hosted an Olympic sporting event.
Dakar 2026 carries the motto “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates,” reflecting the Games’ focus on young people and the culture and communities of Senegal and Africa.
After completing its national journey, the flame will return to the Dakar area ahead of the opening ceremony Oct. 31 at Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio. The Youth Olympic cauldron will be lit during the ceremony, formally signaling the start of the Games.
After the opening ceremony, the cauldron will be located at Corniche West, home to the Dakar 2026 festival site and cycling venue. The flame will remain lit until the Games conclude Nov. 13.
Dakar 2026 will bring together young athletes from around the world from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, placing Senegal and Africa at the center of a new chapter in Olympic history.
