Saly Portudal — Senegal’s seaside resort and youth-flag bearer in Africa’s first Youth Olympic Games
The flame for the Youth Olympic Games has left Athens and begun a 3,600-kilometre tour of Senegal. Dignitaries and a crowd in Dakar welcomed the flame, carried by women known as lingeer, as the IOC leader calls the ceremony a proud moment for Africa.
The Youth Olympics are underway in Senegal’s Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, with about 2,700 athletes aged 14-17 competing across 25 sports in 153 medal events, plus engagement sports. The event marks Africa’s first Olympic ring–labelled Games and aims to boost sport, tourism and youth opportunities.