For the Philippines, the flag at the Dakar Youth Olympics will have two sets of hands. Swimmers Jamesray Mishael Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman will lead Team Philippines in the parade of athletes on Oct. 31.

The pair will carry the colors at the opening ceremony of the fourth Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event staged on African soil. The ceremony takes place at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Why Philippines Chose Two Flag-Bearers

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino had earlier named Ajido as the lone flag-bearer. Coleman was added because both swimmers will be in Senegal in time for the opening ceremony.

The International Olympic Committee has been advocating for a male and a female athlete to bear each country’s colors during the ceremony. Ajido and Coleman now fill those roles for the Philippines.

Ajido will race in the boys’ 100-meter butterfly, while Coleman will swim the girls’ 100-meter breaststroke. The swimming competition begins Nov. 1, a day after the ceremony.

Team Philippines Heads to Dakar

Ajido and Coleman will join wushu athlete Angel Polo and their coaches on a 29-hour flight from Manila via Istanbul to Dakar on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Polo will compete in women’s taijiquan combined, with her campaign also starting Nov. 1.

The rest of the nine-athlete delegation will fly to Dakar on Nov. 4. They are artistic gymnasts Tchelzy Maayo and Hilarrion Palles III, cyclist Maritanya Krog and windsurfer Jade Justine Justiniane.

Athletics entries Pi Durden Wangkay and Naomi Marjorie Caesar complete the squad, which will compete in six sports. The Games run through Nov. 13.