Dakar 2026: 100 Women Lead a Powerful Celebration as the Olympic Flame Arrives in Daka
100 Women Welcome the Dakar 2026 Olympic Flame in Senegal
Two days after being lit in Athens, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games flame arrived in Senegal on Saturday, September 12, marking an important moment in its historic journey across Africa. To welcome the flame, 100 women from diverse backgrounds took part in a symbolic procession to the Place du Souvenir Africain in Dakar.
The group brought together students, intellectuals, athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, and activists from different generations. Selected to participate in one of the first major moments of the flame’s journey through Senegal, the women represented the country’s diversity, energy, and determination to inspire future generations.
Dressed in traditional boubous, the participants walked through parts of Dakar in a vibrant procession before gathering for a special ceremony near the Place du Souvenir Africain along the Corniche. The event combined cultural celebration with a powerful message about the role of women in Senegalese history and society.
The prominent role given to women was deeply symbolic. It paid tribute to the historic Linguères, powerful women who held positions of influence and played important roles in the kingdoms of Senegal.
“As a former Senegalese international athlete, this is truly an honor for me,” said Awa Diop, a former player for Senegal’s national handball team, following the procession. “As a woman, being chosen as one of the 100 women to take part in this walk is incredibly meaningful. Once again, I thank the YOGOC, the Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee, for allowing me to experience this absolutely incredible moment.”
The procession told a story of tradition, heritage, and continuity, with the women entrusted with welcoming the flame before symbolically passing it on to the people of Senegal.
100 Women at the Heart of the Flame’s Arrival
The 100 participants were divided into four groups of 25 women. Each group joined the procession at different points along the route, allowing the gathering to gradually grow in size and energy until all 100 women came together near the ceremony site.
Several artistic performances accompanied the flame throughout the procession, including Ndawrabine, Assiko, and Rosettes. A series of torch handovers also marked the journey, reinforcing the powerful symbolism of passing the flame from one generation to the next.
At the conclusion of the procession, representatives from the different groups accompanied the flame to the cauldron and participated in the lighting ceremony. The sequence highlighted themes of cultural heritage, Senegalese traditions, and the important role women continue to play in society.
“The Present Is What Prepares the Future”
For Gacirah Diagne, president of the Senegalese DanceSport Federation and one of the flame bearers, the experience carried deep personal and national significance.
“You feel a profound sense of pride and grandeur when you are entrusted with the important responsibility of accompanying the flame,” Diagne said. “You truly feel that you are part of a whole. It is the Olympic family. We represent the world. Senegal is going to host the Games. The world is watching, and the world is taking part. It is a very positive energy.”
She also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young Africans to connect with the wider world.
“Making it possible for young Africans to encounter the world is very important for the future. The present is what prepares the future. So, we are very proud, and we accept this great responsibility with immense pride.”
A Celebration for All Women
Although 100 women gathered in Dakar for the procession, the message behind the event reached far beyond the participants themselves. The walk was conceived as a tribute to Senegalese and African women everywhere, celebrating their contributions, strength, leadership, and influence across generations.
“I would simply have loved to do it with all the women of Senegal and all the women of Africa because, to me, they are all Linguères,” said Coumba Gawlo Seck, an icon of Senegalese music.
The spirit of passing the flame from one generation to the next was also represented by Oumy Diop, who had the honor of carrying the flame in Athens just days earlier. The Senegalese swimmer competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and continues to represent a new generation of African athletes.
When asked which young woman she would have liked to see take part in the procession, Diop immediately named another rising Senegalese athlete, Saly Sarr.
“I know she is competing, which is why she could not be here. When I think of a young woman who is inspiring many young people, especially at the moment, I would say Saly Sarr.”
A Flame Inspiring Generations
From its lighting ceremony in Athens to its arrival in Dakar, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games flame is carrying a message of unity, heritage, opportunity, and hope. As it continues its journey across Senegal, the flame represents more than the beginning of a sporting celebration. It symbolizes a connection between generations and a shared vision for Africa’s young people.
With women at the heart of its arrival in Senegal, the flame’s journey begins with a powerful reminder that the future belongs to those who inspire, lead, and create opportunities for the next generation.