Team Philippines’ lean delegation has begun the long trek to the fourth Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Swimmers Jamesray Michael Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman will carry the flag at Saturday’s Opening Ceremony, then leave early to rest for Sunday’s heats.

The first group touched down in Turkey at dawn Thursday after a 13-hour flight from Manila. An eight-hour layover comes next, followed by a flight to Dakar that will take close to nine hours.

Team Philippines Begins Dakar Trek

The first batch also includes coaches Jensen Halili and Ramil Ilustre, wushu artist Angel Polo and Chinese coach Li Jianfang. They are the first of several groups heading to Dakar.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan and chef de mission Rocky Samsom will welcome the group at the YOG Athletes Village. The village is in Diamniadio town, about 41 kilometers from Dakar.

The Opening Ceremony will take place Saturday at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, which sits next to the Athletes Village. That short distance lets Ajido and Coleman turn in early before Sunday’s heats.

More Philippine Athletes Fly to Dakar

Gymnasts Hillarion Palles III and Tchelcy Mei Maayo will also fly to Dakar via Istanbul on Saturday, with coaches Reyland Capellan and Kazutaka Hakamada. They will follow the same route as the first batch.

On Nov. 4, cyclist Maritanya Krog will fly with coaches Mark John Lexer Galedo and Marita Lucas. Athletics’ Pi Wangkay and Naomi Cesar will also depart that day with coach Jasper Tanhueco.