In March 2009, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided that torch relays for all future Olympic Games will be held within the host city.

However, an exception has been made for Singapore 2010. Being the first YOG, it is important that the spirit of Olympism reach out to as many youth as possible around the world. And the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame (JYOF) will be the link that connects the youth of the world to the Olympic movement.

According to Olympic tradition, the JYOF will start its journey in Greece. In July 2010 the first Youth Olympic Flame will be lit in Greece. The Flame will then travel to one city in each of the five continents, namely:

• Berlin, Germany, representing Europe
• Dakar, Senegal, representing Africa
• Mexico City, Mexico, representing the Americas
• Auckland, New Zealand, representing Oceania
• Seoul, Republic of Korea, representing Asia

At each city, the Youth Olympic Flame will travel to iconic sights in the city, before ending the day with a city celebration. The people of each continent, especially the youth, will be invited to the Celebration City to celebrate the arrival of the Youth Olympic Flame to their continent.

The Youth Olympic Flame will then travel to Singapore, where the journey continues through the five community districts with a traditional round-island torch relay, ending each relay day with a community celebration.

The Youth Olympic Flame will be lit at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on 14 August 2010, marking the commencement of the first YOG.