Olympic flame arrives in Senegal for the first Olympic event to be held in Africa

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- The Olympic flame arrived in Senegal's capital, Dakar, on Saturday, marking the start of the first Olympic event to be held in Africa. Hundreds of people gathered at Place du Souvenir Africain, a waterfront plaza overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, to welcome the flame and celebrate the Youth Olympic Games, set to take place from October 31 to November 13.

A procession of 100 women, known as "lingeer," carried the flame in a traditional ceremony, dressed in vibrant orange and golden attire and headwraps. Senegalese basketball star Mame Maty Mbengue lit the cauldron during the event. Kirsty Coventry, head of the International Olympic Committee from Zimbabwe, emphasized the significance of the Games, stating that they will be a proud moment for Senegal and the continent, showcasing the potential and unstoppable spirit of its young generation.

The Olympic flame began its journey in Athens, Greece, where it was lit using the sun's rays and a parabolic mirror before being transferred to Senegal at the Panathenaic Stadium. Traveling across the country's 14 regions via 400 torchbearers, the flame will return to Dakar for the official opening of the Youth Olympic Games.