The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic flame has been lit in Athens

he ceremonial event took place on 10 September at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium in the Greek capital, marking the beginning of the flame’s journey to Senegal.

The moment represents not only an important milestone on the road to the upcoming Games, but also a historic occasion for the Olympic Movement. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, to be held from 31 October to 13 November 2026, will be the first Olympic sporting event ever hosted on the African continent. Around 2,700 young athletes from across the world are expected to take part.

The flame will arrive in Dakar on 12 September before embarking on a nationwide journey across Senegal. Along the way, it will connect communities and young people while carrying the values of sport, friendship and solidarity. The torch relay will culminate at the Opening Ceremony on 31 October, when the Youth Olympic cauldron will be lit.

The International Fair Play Committee will also be present at Dakar 2026, and we are very much looking forward to witnessing inspiring acts of fair play from the young athletes throughout the Games. Moments of respect, integrity, friendship and sportsmanship are what make sport truly memorable, and we hope Dakar 2026 will provide many such examples for the world to celebrate.

Dakar 2026 will open a new chapter in the history of the Olympic Movement, offering young athletes from around the world the opportunity to meet on African soil and compete in a spirit of fairness, respect and friendship.

Source: International Olympic Committee / Olympics.com, Photos: Milos Bicanski