25 July 2010, Dakar, Senegal – The Youth Olympic Flame touched down in Dakar, Senegal today on its mission to spread the spirit of Olympism to as many youth around the world as possible. This marked the second stop on the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame that will span five continents as a prelude to the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (Singapore 2010).
Built at the beginning of the Second World War, the Leopold Sedar Senghor International airport marks the entry of the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame into Dakar, Senegal, and all of Africa. Amidst the backdrop of the control tower, the Youth Olympic Flame arrived from Berlin landed at 1330 hrs.
The Singapore 2010 delegation was received by Senegal’s Prime Minister Mr. Soulayeman Ndene Ndiaye; Mayor of Dakar, Mr. Khalifa Sall; and the President of the Association of National Olympic Committee of Africa, General Lassana Palenfo. The Flame was then presented to Senegal’s Prime Minister by the Chairman of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) Mr. Ser Miang NG.
The Flame then travelled around Dakar, visiting historical sites such as Hotel De Ville (City Hall) and Palais de la Republique (Presidential Palace). These venues demonstrate the rich cultural amalgam that Senegal offers to the world.
The Journey across Dakar brought enthusiasm and excitement to the city with many Senegalese children and adults following alongside the convoy.
The Flame was then transported to Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once there the Flame was brought onto the island from sea through the Masion des esclaves (Slave House) famed "Door of No Return", reminding participants on the importance of the values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect.
Here a local Senegalese music group performed a local folk song in Walof about ‘hope and passion for the future’. The Flame returned to the centre of Goree Island where the City Celebrations took place. The island was treated to both Senegalese and Singaporean performances.
The audience saw Singapore band, Supernova, striking up the song Singapore Town with a unique rock beat, and continuing with their own original compositions. To bring a slice of Singapore life, culture and tradition to the Dakar city celebrations, the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) has partnered Singapore’s Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (MICA) to present a Singapore Showcase at the city celebration.
"We have seen Dakar, a city rich in culture and diversity, embrace the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect in everyday life. The city already has a strong legacy in sport and through sport we hope to inspire youth around the world to live by the values that the Youth Olympic Flame represents," said Mr. Ser Miang NG, Chairman of SYOGOC.
The Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame is a 13-day journey to celebration cities, representing five continents around the world. The Flame then arrives in Singapore on 6 August for a traditional six-day torch relay around the island nation. The five cities are:
1. Berlin, Germany representing Europe
2. Dakar, Senegal representing Africa
3. Mexico City, Mexico representing the Americas
4. Auckland, New Zealand representing Oceania
5. Seoul, South Korea representing Asia
At each of the celebration cities, the Flame will journey to significant city landmarks and allow as many people as possible to welcome the Flame to the continent. The day will end off with a City Celebration, where the people of the city and continent can join in the festivities to celebrate the world’s first Youth Olympic Games.
The Flame’s journey will culminate in the torch being brought to the Float@Marina Bay in Singapore, the world’s largest floating stage on 14 August 2010 where it will ignite the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games cauldron as part of the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the Games. Once lit, the Flame will continue to burn brightly throughout the 12 days of the Games until the Closing Ceremony on 26 August 2010.
For more information contact: Emerald Loh at media@singapore2010.sg
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