Flame

Abuja, September 10, 2026 (www.crestnewsonline.ng) The flame of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) scheduled for Dakar in Senegal has been lit at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece.

This marks the start of its journey to Dakar and another major milestone on the road to the first Olympic sports event ever to be held on African soil.

The lighting of the Youth Olympics flame is one of the defining moments of any YOG.

This edition, in particular, is historic, as it links Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, with a new chapter in Olympic history, as the Games head to Africa for the first time.

Lit by using the sun’s rays —- in keeping with Olympic tradition —- the flame was formally handed over to Senegal before beginning its journey towards Dakar.

Dakar 2026 Ambassador and Senegalese Olympian Oumy Diop, also an Olympic Solidarity scholarship-holder, took part in the ceremony, representing the generation of young Senegalese and African athletes who will be at the heart of the YOG.

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, President of the International Olympics Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, said: “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.

“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.”

After the lighting ceremony, the flame travels to Senegal, where it is due to arrive in Dakar on Saturday.

Throughout the journey, it will burn in a special lantern which enables the flame to travel safely, including by air, under the supervision of flame guardians, ensuring that the flame carried by torchbearers in Senegal is the same Youth Olympic flame lit in Athens.

A major celebration in Dakar will welcome the flame, before it begins its journey across Senegal, bringing together young people, athletes, cultural figures and communities around the Olympic values.

From Monday to October 30, the Youth Olympic flame will travel through all 14 regions of Senegal under the theme “Pass the Energy.”

The concept reflects the wider idea of passing energy between people, communities and generations as the flame travels across the country.

Rooted in the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship, “Pass the Energy” will celebrate solidarity, connection and the energy and creativity of Senegalese and African young people.

At each stage of the Flame Tour, communities will have an opportunity to contribute to that energy and carry the spirit of Dakar 2026 forward towards the Games.

Several hundred participants from different backgrounds are expected to be involved across more than 30 stages around the country.

The Flame Tour will bring Dakar 2026 directly to communities across Senegal, with sporting, cultural and educational celebrations accompanying the journey.

Schools and young people will play a central role, while local athletes, artists and community representatives will contribute to events reflecting the identities of the various regions.

The journey will reflect the Dakar 2026 motto, “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates”, and the ambition for the Games to be delivered by young people, for young people and with young people.

Dakar 2026 will bring together the world’s best young athletes while engaging young people across Senegal and Africa through sports, culture, education and volunteering.

The flame will return to Dakar at the end of its national journey ahead of the Opening Ceremony on October 31 at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, where the Youth Olympic cauldron will be lit.

After the Opening Ceremony, the cauldron will be located at Corniche West, home to the Dakar 2026 festival site and cycling venue, where the flame will remain alight throughout the Games until November 13.

Dakar 2026 will bring together the young athletes from around the world from October 31 to November 13, for the first Olympic sports event to be held on African soil.(www.crestnewsonline.ng)

*Edited by Olawale Lawanson Alabi