Louga welcomes Dakar 2026 Olympic Youth Games flame

Louga’s reception of the Olympic flame has brought the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games into closer contact with communities in northern Senegal. The stop also placed local young athletes and authorities at the centre of preparations for the country’s major international sporting event.

The flame passed through Louga on Thursday as part of its national journey ahead of the Games, scheduled from October 31 to November 13. Young people, residents and officials turned out in large numbers for the occasion. Urban Planning and Local Government Minister Moussa Balla Fofana urged Senegalese youth to embrace Olympic principles including peace, respect, openness and the pursuit of personal excellence.

Fofana said Dakar 2026 would give Senegal and Africa an opportunity to showcase their culture, hospitality and ability to host major international events. He also underlined the importance of supporting local authorities, linking their development to better living conditions and greater opportunities in sport and culture.

Louga mayor Moustapha Diop welcomed the flame on behalf of the municipal council and residents, calling it a symbol of peace, friendship, respect, sharing and self-improvement. He encouraged Louga’s athletes heading to the Games to represent their city and Senegal with distinction, give their best and honour their families and community.