DAKAR, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- As the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games prepare to draw to a close on Friday, the organizing committee has announced that the closing ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. local time in the Athletes' Village, with strict limits on media access.
The Youth Olympic Games closing ceremony is primarily a ceremonial event held within the Athletes' Village and is reserved exclusively for athletes and accredited delegations, the organizing committee told the media.
The ceremony is expected to last around 35 minutes. Each member organization of the International Olympic Photo Pool (IOPP) will be allowed to send one photographer to cover the event.
At major sporting events such as the Olympic and Winter Olympic Games, closing ceremonies are traditionally more low-key than opening ceremonies, which are often solemn, elaborate affairs lasting three or four hours. Closing ceremonies generally follow a simpler program, take less time and adopt a more relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.
With the pressure of competition behind them, athletes can also let their hair down and enjoy the festivities.
This approach is particularly suited to the Youth Olympic Games, where all competitors are under 18. The atmosphere is generally more youthful and informal, making innovation in the closing ceremony a natural choice.
The choice of venue also carries special significance. Unlike a conventional stadium or public square, the Athletes' Village has been home to competitors throughout the Games. It is where they have spent the past two weeks, made friends, and exchanged souvenirs and pins.
Holding a closing ceremony in the Athletes' Village is not a first for the Youth Olympic Games. Buenos Aires 2018 adopted a similar approach eight years ago, moving its closing ceremony into the village and reworking the traditional program. ■