Dakar Youth Olympics: Who gets to hold the flame?
Summary
Dakar is hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event held in Africa, after the event was postponed from 2022. The Games bring about 2,700 athletes and visitors to Senegal as the country faces debt and political pressures, while organizers emphasize using existing venues and keeping costs manageable.Key Facts
- The 2026 Youth Olympic Games open in Dakar on Saturday, October 31.
- The Games were scheduled for 2022 but were delayed by COVID-19 and a request from Senegal’s then-president, Macky Sall, for more preparation time.
- About 2,700 athletes, along with parents, coaches, and supporters, are expected in Senegal.
- Senegal is negotiating with creditors and the International Monetary Fund after previously undisclosed debt led to repeated credit downgrades.
- International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said the Games offer Senegal and Africa a chance to show their capabilities.
- Coventry said the Olympic movement aims to make the Games less complex and affordable by using existing venues.
- TikTok personality Khaby Lame and actor Omar Sy carried the Olympic flame through Dakar.
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