Bignona welcomes Olympic flame in festive ceremony

Bignona marked the Olympic flame’s passage through southern Senegal with a public celebration, as the relay continued its three-day journey across the region. The next stops are Oussouye and Ziguinchor, where the flame will complete its visit.

Students accompanied by teachers began gathering at 9 a.m. at the Emile Badiane roundabout, which had been decorated with Senegalese flags. Security barriers were installed by members of the Groupement mobile d’intervention, while public transport continued to use the road before vehicles were later diverted.

Cultural performances shaped the welcome. Casa Sports supporters’ group Allez Casa performed with club flags, drums and a flute, while the Djimakakor troupe presented the Koumpo and its masked dancer. The programme also included the Ekonkong dance, Kankourang performances and a fanfare.

The torch had set out from the Total station and changed hands among athletes Bakary Sonko, Lamine Kéba Sonko and Toumany Diatta, as well as Bignona’s top-performing student, Mamadou Lamine Goudiaby. Diatta, a para-athlete, carried it around the public square before the flame guardians took over in front of Youth and Sports Minister Djirèye Clothilde Coly, local administrators and elected officials. In Oussouye, Faustin Lambal, Doudou Diop and Eveline Diatta will carry it. Ziguinchor’s ceremony at Aline Sitoé Diatta Stadium will include 12 torchbearers, including former Djignabo Bassène High School principal Nouha Cissé.