DAKAR 2026 has revealed “Ayo” as the official mascot for the Youth Olympic Games, marking a key milestone in the build-up to Africa’s first Olympic event. Ayo, a young lion, embodies the spirit, joy and energy of Senegalese youth. The name means “joy” in Yoruba, symbolising celebration, unity and cultural pride across the continent. The mascot was presented during a grand ceremony at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar to mark one year to go.
Ayo wears a traditional Fulani Tingandé hat, representing wisdom, dignity and a connection to rural life, Ayo represents the values of Dakar 2026 and highlights the cultural heritage of Senegal as the host nation, per the media release.
The unveiling was attended by Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye; International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry; IOC Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026 chair Humphrey Kayange; and Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee president Mamadou D. Ndiaye.
Ayo was chosen through a nationwide competition organised in partnership with Senegal’s Ministry of National Education. Open to middle and secondary school students, the contest received over 500 submissions from across all 16 academic inspectorates in Senegal.
As part of the “One Year to Go” celebrations, the official countdown clock, produced by Worldwide Olympic Partner OMEGA was inaugurated in central Dakar.
The Youth Olympic Games will run from 31 October to 13 November 2026, welcoming 2,700 elite young athletes aged up to 17 across three venues in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
Coventry said, “These Games represent so much for Africa; they will inspire the next generation and open doors of opportunity across our continent and beyond. Mascot Ayo carries a powerful message of joy and breaks many boundaries, a true symbol of how young and dynamic our continent is. Every day, new opportunities are opening up for Senegal’s youth, and these Games are making that happen. I can’t wait to be back here a year from now to celebrate together.”
