Senegal point guard Aminata Ndong, 19, dey among the first torchbearers for the opening leg of the Youth Olympic Games torch relay through Le Plateau for Dakar on 14 September. The parade mark the start of the national relay ahead of Dakar 2026.
"E be real honour to dey counted among the YOG torchbearers," Ndong tok. "E be historic moment and no be sometin wey dey happen everyday." She add say when dem ask am to take part, she accept sharp sharp: "I must be part of this."
Product of Guédiawaye Basket Academy, Ndong win the Senegal basketball championship for 2024 when she never reach 16 with ASC Ville de Dakar Basket. Since then, she don represent the Dakar-based club for the FIBA Women's Basketball League Africa for Senegal and Egypt.
Ndong connect the values of the YOG torch — peace, friendship and excellence — to her role for court. "For basketball, sometimes if you falter, the whole team fit falter with you. And for me, as point guard, my role mean sey I no fit afford am," she tok.
She also describe Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics as chance for Senegal and Africa to dey seen for global stage, and beg young athletes to "always keep their cool, always show respect and always play fair." Tickets for Dakar 2026 dey available from 1000 XOF, with free Fan Zone and Corniche Festival passes dem dey give on first-come, first-served basis.
