Deputy Minister of Culture, Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, attended on Thursday, in Athens, the torch-lighting and handover ceremony for the IV Youth Olympic Games, on Thursday, on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry of Culture, Papaellina said that the Torch-lighting ceremony highlights the power of culture and sport conveying the message that the Olympic ideals remain a timeless beacon for the younger generation.
As it is noted, the Flame of the IV Youth Olympic Games ‘Dakar 2026’ was lit at the Panathenaic Stadium during a lighting and handover ceremony attended by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry. The music for the ceremony was composed by the distinguished Cypriot composer Marios Joannou Elia, whilst Artemis Ignatiou was responsible for the artistic direction and choreography.
Papaellina, emphasised that the ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the power of culture and sport to build bridges between peoples. As it is noted, the flame is now travelling to Dakar, carrying with it the noble values of Olympism.