DAKAR, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Saturday welcomed the Youth Olympic flame for Dakar 2026 at a ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in the capital Dakar.
During the ceremony, Faye received the torch from Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, president of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry attended the event, along with hundreds of young people and athletes.
Faye said the arrival of the flame reflected the international community's trust in Senegal and demonstrated that the country keeps its promises, with its youth its greatest asset.
"This flame tells us that Africa is no longer watching; Africa is welcoming," he said, urging Senegalese youth to showcase their energy, hospitality and determination during the Games.
"The image our guests will retain is the one you give them," Faye said, adding, "Make Senegal proud, and make the whole of Africa proud."
The Senegalese delegation received the flame on Thursday during a ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece.
A nationwide torch relay is scheduled to begin on Monday and take the flame through all 14 regions of Senegal. About 450 torchbearers, including athletes, young talents, civil society representatives and prominent local figures, are expected to participate.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be held from October 31 to November 13, bringing together around 2,700 athletes competing in 25 sports. It will be the first Olympic sporting event held on the African continent. ■