The official torch lighting ceremony took place at Albrook Airport on Friday, marking the countdown to the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026, scheduled to be held in the country from April 12 to 25, 2026. The torch was ignited with the flame from the South American Fire, which arrived in Panama from Rosario, Argentina. The flame was received by the Director of Pandeportes, Miguel Ordóñez, and the President of the Panama Olympic Committee (COP), Damaris Young, who officially lit the torch. It will then return to the capital in anticipation of the opening ceremony on Sunday, April 12, at the Rommel Fernández Stadium. Delegations from 15 countries, with over 2,000 athletes, will participate in 23 disciplines, including tennis, fencing, judo, gymnastics, weightlifting, cycling, surfing, and archery, among many others.
This flame was presented to the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, who in turn handed it over to Panamanian athletes Julieta Escobar and Ian Mata. "Fourteen months ago, we began a dream; a dream that Panama could organize a multi-sport event and that every Panamanian could come, applaud, and enjoy what it means to see their athletes compete," recalled Young. President Mulino highlighted the significance this event will have for Panama, referencing the impact of hosting the 1970 Central American and Caribbean Games and the development it brought to local sports. "It was an extraordinary year: many coliseums were inaugurated, and Panama positioned itself as a sports metropolis in the region," affirmed Mulino.
