The Tunisian National Olympic Committee organized a celebration on Friday at the Pierre de Coubertin Sports Institute in Manouba to mark the Dakar 2026 Olympic torch relay. The relay will continue across Senegalese regions until October 31, the opening day of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The event was attended by the committee's president, sports university heads, qualified athletes, and coaches.
The celebration was attended by athletes and officials who have participated in previous Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games. Tunisia's National Olympic Committee president, Mehrez Boussayane, described the 2026 Youth Olympics as an exceptional sporting event, being the first to be held in an African country. He expressed hope that this would pave the way for the African continent to host the Summer Olympics.
Boussayane highlighted the significance of celebrating the Olympic torch relay at the Pierre de Coubertin Sports Institute, named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games. He revealed that Tunisia will be represented by 46 athletes, including 16 female athletes, and a handball team at the 2026 Youth Olympics. The Institute's director, Atif Al-Hudari, pledged support for the Tunisian Olympic family.
The Youth Olympic Games are held every four years, catering to young people aged 14-18. The event was created by the International Olympic Committee in 2007. The first Summer Youth Olympics took place in Singapore in 2010, while the first Winter Youth Olympics were held in Innsbruck, Austria, in 2012.
Tunisia has participated in all Summer Youth Olympics, including Singapore 2010, Nanjing 2014, and Buenos Aires 2018. However, the country only participated in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea, where it won a historic silver medal in the luge event through athlete Jonathan Alwimi.
The Dakar 2026 Olympic torch relay is set to continue until October 31, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the Youth Olympic Games. The event aims to promote Olympic values and unity among participating nations. Tunisia's participation in the Games is expected to be a significant moment for the country's young athletes.
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games will feature athletes from around the world competing in various sports. The event is expected to promote sportsmanship, friendship, and fair play among participants. As the Games approach, athletes and officials are gearing up for a memorable experience in Dakar, Senegal.
Key points
- Tunisia to participate in Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics with 46 athletes
- Olympic torch relay to continue across Senegalese regions until October 31
- 2026 Youth Olympics to be first Olympic event held in an African country
