The Olympic Flame for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games was lit at the Panathenaic Stadium, in Greece, during a ceremony that marked the official start of the torch's journey to Senegal. This event represents a historic moment, as it is the first time the Olympic Flame will be taken to the African continent.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be held in Senegal, making it the first African country to host this youth sports competition. The choice of Dakar as the host city demonstrates the Olympic Movement's commitment to expanding the presence of the Games to new continents.
The Portuguese delegation will be represented at this competition by athletes from the Coimbra district. These young athletes will compete on behalf of Portugal, continuing the Portuguese tradition of participation in the Youth Olympic Games.
The ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium, birthplace of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, symbolizes the connection between the past and present of the Olympic movement, as the flame begins its journey to Africa.
