Dakar 2026 Introduces Joyful Mascot ‘Ayo’ Ahead of Africa’s First Olympic Games
Dakar 2026 has officially unveiled its mascot, ‘Ayo,’ a vibrant young lion symbolizing the joy and energy of Senegalese youth, during a celebratory ceremony at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar.
The launch marks exactly one year to go until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) begin, making history as the first Olympic event ever held on African soil.
Ayo’s name, meaning ‘joy’ in Yoruba, a language widely spoken across West Africa, embodies the spirit of celebration, unity, and youthful optimism that the Games aim to inspire.
Dressed in a traditional Fulani Tingandé hat, Ayo represents wisdom, dignity, and a deep connection to Senegal’s rural heritage, reflecting the cultural richness of the host nation.
The unveiling ceremony drew high profile attendees, including Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, IOC Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange, and Mamadou D. Ndiaye, President of both the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee.
Speaking at the event, IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the transformative power of the Games for Africa’s youth. ‘Mascot Ayo carries a powerful message of joy and breaks many boundaries, a true symbol of how young and dynamic our continent is,’ she said. ‘Every day, new opportunities are opening up for Senegal’s youth, and these Games are making that happen.’
Ayo was selected through a nationwide competition organized by the Dakar 2026 committee in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education.
The contest, open to middle and secondary school students, received over 500 entries from all 16 academic inspectorates in Senegal, showcasing the creativity and enthusiasm of the country’s young minds.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will run from 31 October to 13 November 2026, welcoming 2,700 of the world’s top young athletes aged up to 17 across three host cities: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
