15 Sep 2026

Botswana is among the African countries to receive the Youth Olympic Games Flame Torch, as the games, will be for the first time, be held in Africa in Dakar, Senegal

The Youth Olympics torch travelled from Greece, passing through Botswana and many other countries en-route to Senegal, where the Youth Olympics 2026 will be held from October 31 to November 13.

On Saturday, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), in collaboration with Bokamoso Junior Secondary School, hosted an event to celebrate the arrival of the torch in Gaborone.

The event was not only to encourage participation in sport, but to inspire learners to actively engage in environmental conservation.

Speaking at the event, BNOC president, Tshepo Sitale said it was a historic milestone to have the Youth Olympics in Africa.

He said the flame carried with it, values of the Olympics namely; excellence, respect, environment and friendship.

“We should have sport leaving a footprint that outlast trophies and medals. So, our inclination toward placing environmental stewardship is very important.

“Therefore, today we have a partnership with the Department of Forests and Range Resources and we are going to launch a green legacy here in Bokamoso, where we are going to plant indigenous trees in the Bokamoso Olympic Garden,” he said.

He said the Olympics Garden would remain for future generations as a symbol that sport equally pays attention to protecting the environment.

“As the Olympics torch burns, let it also burn in you. Not only for the Olympics but, for the environment as an indicator that you want to make a difference in your environment. You are a champion in your own way,” he affirmed.

Bokamoso JSS school head, Masego Ngope said they were excited to have been selected to host the Olympics flame among many other schools.

“The Olympic flame symbolises unity, peace, excellence and the spirit of fair play. It reminds us that sport has the power to bring nations, communities and schools together. BNOC, you have given our learners an opportunity that they will remember for the rest of their lives,” she said.

Ngope said the flame that would burn at the Youth Olympic Games had passed at Bokamoso JSS and would ignite in them values of discipline, team work, respect and perseverance in both sport and classroom.

The event culminated with the planting of one indigenous plant in the Bokamoso JSS Olympics Garden and sporting activities. ENDS