A mascot has been unveiled for the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games – YOG. ‘Ayo’ a young lion, symbolizes the joy and energy of Senegalese youth. The name means “joy” in Yoruba – a language widely spoken in West Africa – and reflects the spirit of celebration and unity associated with the Games. The mascot was unveiled by the YOG Organizing Committee, during a special ceremony at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar as part of the celebrations to mark one year to go.
The mascot ‘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.
The unveiling was attended by the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry; Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026; and Mamadou D. Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee.
The mascot was selected through a nationwide competition launched by the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education. Open to middle and secondary school students, the competition received more than 500 entries from across all 16 academic inspectorates in Senegal. The initiative was aimed at promoting creativity among young people and strengthening their connection to the Games in the lead-up to the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.
In addition to the mascot launch, the “One Year to Go” celebrations will include the unveiling of the official countdown clock later today, at 6.30 p.m. local time, in the heart of the Senegalese capital by Worldwide Olympic Partner OMEGA.
The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together 2,700 of the world’s best young athletes aged up to 17. The Games will be held across three host sites in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
source: APO
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