A flame in Dakar, a flame for Africa

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games torch will arrive in Dakar on 12 September. Upon its arrival, this flagship olympic symbol of every Games will embark on a tour across Senegal, the first African country to host an olympic sporting event. 

Far more than a geographical journey, the flame tour is a true celebration of the full range of olympic symbolism. Through the slogan “Pass the Energy” chosen for Dakar 2026, the YOG flame tour aims to keep the spark alive and nurture the flame of sport in every corner of the country. 

Passing on, transmitting, sharing 

In direct reference to the founding principles of the olympic movement – Friendship, Excellence, Respect – this slogan and the passing of the torch it embodies symbolise transmission and the link between past and future generations. 

Much like a pass in sport, the flame will be passed from hand to hand to convey the universal messages of friendship and solidarity, whilst celebrating Senegal’s cultural heritage. 

What is the route of the Dakar 2026 YOG flame tour in Senegal? 

Following its arrival in Dakar, the torch will travel through Senegal’s 14 regions during a national tour scheduled to take place from 14 September to 30 October. 

The route of the 2026 Dakar YOG flame tour has been designed to spread positive energy throughout all the areas it passes through, with key stops including Gorée Island, Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis. 

Cultural, educational and sporting events will be organised in every major city to celebrate the passage of the YOG torch. 

What legacy will the YOG leave for the continent? 

Once lit, the torch will embody the boundless energy of a young, active and creative Africa. Through its torchbearers from all walks of life, it will highlight the potential of Senegal’s – and the continent’s – human and cultural resources. 

The arrival of the Youth Olympic Games, embodied by this symbolic flame, on African soil is creating a unique momentum that paves the way for a lasting legacy: sport is a driving force for personal fulfilment, inclusion and social transformation for an entire generation. 

The lantern, guardian of the Dakar 2026 YOG olympic flame 

Enabling the flame to remain lit 24 hours a day, the lantern containing the flame is itself one of the olympic symbols maintained from the lighting of the flame in Athens right through to the opening ceremony. 

It enables the flame to travel by airplane without ever going out, and is watched over by flame guardians at all times. It is thanks to this that the flame will be the star of the Youth Olympic Games, from the opening ceremony right through to the cauldron, where it will burn for the entire duration of the Games. 

Every torchbearer fuels this flame with their energy, and this is the promise made to each and every one of them: the flame they carry is indeed the flame of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, lit in Athens, the cradle of the Olympic movement. 

The official ticket office for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is now open! Book your tickets at https://tickets.dakar2026.org/