Dakar 2026 Unveils Official Mascot “Ayo” One Year Before the Games

is a young lion symbolizing the joy and energy of Senegalese youth. The name means “joy” in Yoruba, reflecting the spirit of celebration and unity surrounding the Games. The mascot sports a traditional Fulani Tingandé hat, representing wisdom, dignity, and a connection to rural life.

Ayo embodies the core values of Dakar 2026 and highlights Senegal’s rich cultural heritage as the host nation. Yoruba is a widely spoken language in West Africa, and the name perfectly captures the festive spirit linked to the event.

The mascot was unveiled by the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee at a ceremony held in the Grand Théâtre in Dakar as part of the countdown to the Games, exactly one year before the event.

The unveiling was attended by key figures including the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye; International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry; Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026; and Mamadou D. Ndiaye, President of both the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said at the One-Year-to-Go ceremony: “These Games represent so much for Africa; they will inspire the next generation and open doors of opportunity across our continent and beyond.”

She added, “Mascot Ayo carries a powerful message of joy and breaks many boundaries, a true symbol of how young and dynamic our continent is.”

This mascot perfectly captures the youthful spirit and cultural depth of Senegal, setting an inspiring tone for the Dakar 2026 Games.

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Olympics.com — 2025-11-01