DAKAR, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The flame for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will begin its journey across Senegal on September 14, the International Olympic Committee announced Wednesday.
The flame will be lit in Athens, Greece, on September 10 and arrive in Senegal's capital Dakar two days later. Its nationwide tour, themed "Pass the Energy," will run until October 30 and cover all 14 regions of the country.
Major cities along the route will host sporting, cultural and educational activities highlighting local heritage and traditions, as well as concerts and performances. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to meet and take photos with Ayo, the official mascot of Dakar 2026.
At the end of the tour, the flame will be used to light the cauldron during the opening ceremony on October 31 at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio. The cauldron will remain alight throughout the Games.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games run from October 31 to November 13 and will feature around 2,700 athletes, marking the first Olympic sporting event held on the African continent. ■
