YOG Flame Dakar 2026: Ndar vibrates to the rhythm of the YOG Flame
The 300-year-old city vibrated on Saturday October 3 to the rhythm of the Flame of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Carried on the waters of the Senegal River by two children from Langue de Barbarie, Fary Seye and Ousseynou Diop, it crossed a celebrating city, between songs, dances, drums and cultural activities.
Saint-Louis experienced a strong moment on Saturday October 3 and Sunday October 4 with the arrival of the Flame of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026. In the streets as well as on the banks of the Senegal River, the populations mobilized to welcome this Olympic symbol, in a festive and popular atmosphere. The passage of the Flame was marked by a spectacular sequence on the river. Carried on the waters, it offered Saint-Louisians a moment that was both solemn and festive.
Two children from Langue de Barbarie were chosen to carry the Flame: Fary Seye, former Senegal and African judo champion, today an international referee, and Ousseynou Diop, champion of the Dakar-Gorée swim. Throughout the journey, Saint-Louis revealed its cultural heritage. The songs and dances of the Fanal troupe, the performances of the false lions and the rhythms of the drum majors contributed to creating a particularly warm atmosphere.
The official YOG mascot, Ayo, was also welcomed to the cheers of the public. Present in Saint-Louis, Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, president of the Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSS) and the Organizing Committee of the Youth Olympic Games (COJOJ), took part in this mobilization along with other officials.
For Alioune Badara Diop, deputy mayor of Saint-Louis, this stage illustrates the common values between the city and the Olympics, in particular peace, solidarity and fraternity. The passage of the Flame coincided with the third edition of the CyberGames, dedicated to cybersecurity and innovation. “Capture The Flag” competitions, demonstrations and discussions around digital technology placed young people at the heart of the event.
Between sport, culture, innovation and popular mobilization, Saint-Louis thus offered the Flame Tour a colorful stage, making its streets and banks a real space for celebrating Olympic values.
