YOG Dakar 2026: The passage of the flame illuminates Saint-Louis
The 300-year-old city vibrated, Saturday October 3 and Sunday October 4, 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 the Langue de Barbarie, she crossed a celebrating city, between songs, dances and drums. A moment of popular communion which also highlighted youth, cybersecurity and innovation.
Saint-Louis – Saint-Louis experienced an exceptional weekend with the arrival of the Flame of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) “Dakar 2026”. In the streets of the 300-year-old city, the population mobilized to welcome the Olympic symbol, in a setting where Saint-Louis cultural expressions took pride of place.
Highlight of this stage, a spectacular sequence on the Senegal River, both solemn and festive. For this symbolic moment, two children from Langue de Barbarie carried the Flame: Fary Sèye, former Senegal and African judo champion, today an international referee, and Ousseynou Diop, champion of the Dakar-Gorée swim.
Throughout the journey, Saint-Louis displayed its heritage and its identity. The songs and dances of the Fanal troupe, the false lions and the drum majors gave a very popular tone to this stage of the Flame Tour. Ayo, the official mascot of the Joj, was welcomed with cheers. These scenes of jubilation reflected the support of Saint-Louisians for an event which marks an important step in the preparation of the first Youth Olympic Games organized in Africa.
Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, president of the Senegalese National Olympic and Sports Committee (Cnoss) and the Joj Organizing Committee (Cojoj), took part in this moment of communion. For Alioune Badara Diop, deputy mayor of Saint-Louis, this stage has a particular meaning: the city shares with the Olympics values of peace, solidarity and fraternity, deeply rooted in its history.
The passing of the Flame also 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 center of the celebration.
Sport, culture, innovation and youth: in Saint-Louis, the Flame did not only pass through the city. Supported by strong popular mobilization, it transformed the streets and banks of the river into spaces for celebrating Olympic values.
