The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games flame arrived in the Senegalese capital on Saturday (September 12).

Former Senegalese basketball player Mame Maty Mbengue lit the Olympic cauldron during a ceremony held at the Place du Souvenir Africain, surrounded by women in traditional dress and drummers.

The Games, which will bring together young athletes from around the world in Senegal, represent a historic moment for the continent and the Olympic movement.

“I’m very proud that we have these Games in Africa for the first time during my presidency,” International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry said.

Senegal’s Minister of Sports said she was attending the ceremony “with pride”, praising the organisation of the event.

Having never had the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games, former Senegalese athlete Mariane Mendoza said she was proud of Senegal and moved by the atmosphere surrounding the ceremony.

“This atmosphere of Olympic fervour warms my heart,” she said.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will mark the first Olympic event to be held on African soil. They will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

DAKAR, SENEGAL (SEPTEMBER 12, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. FORMER SENEGALESE BASKETBALL PLAYER, MAME MATY MBENGUE, LIGHTING THE CAULDRON WITH THE FLAME DURING THE CEREMONY MARKING THE ARRIVAL OF THE DAKAR 2026 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES FLAME / WOMEN STANDING BEHIND HER

2. DRUMMERS PERFORMING

3. OFFICIALS SEATED ON STAGE

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, KIRSTY COVENTRY, SAYING:

“I’m very proud that we have these games on Africa for the first time during my presidency. But I'm very excited for all of those that are going to come to Senegal and see and witness who we are as Africa and that I think will change their minds”

5. VARIOUS OF ATTENDEES SEATED DURING THE CEREMONY

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, KIRSTY COVENTRY, SAYING:

“The team are doing an incredible job. The government has been extremely supportive, the venues will be ready, the athletes will be welcomed, and we're all going to enjoy and getting to see a fabulous opening ceremony and Youth Olympic Games.”

7. SENEGAL’S PRIME MINISTER AHMADOU AL AMINOU LO (RIGHT) AND SENEGALESE MINISTER OF SPORT, DJIREYE CLOTILDE COLY (LEFT), SEATED SIDE BY SIDE

8. (SOUNDBITE) (French) SENEGALESE MINISTER OF SPORT, DJIREYE CLOTLDE COLY, SAYING:

“It is with great pride that I witness this ceremony here in Senegal, and I can only congratulate COJOJ (Youth Olympic Games Organizing committee) on this magnificent organization.”

9. WOMEN DANCING

10. (SOUNDBITE) (French) FORMER SENEGALESE ATLHETE, MARIANE MENDOZA, SAYING:

“As a former sportswoman, a former athlete, I never had the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games, but today I am in this harmony, in this atmosphere of Olympic fervour, which warms my heart, I can tell you, and I am proud for Senegal."

11. DAKAR 2026 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES MASCOT

12. WOMEN STANDING BEHIND THE LIT CAULDRON

13. EXTERIOR VIEW OF PLACE DU SOUVENIR AFRICAN HOSTING THE CEREMONY MARKING THE ARRIVAL OF THE DAKAR 2026 YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES FLAME IN DAKAR