Dakar: Ayo, a young lion symbolizing the joy and energy of Senegalese youth, has been unveiled as the official mascot for Dakar 2026. Ayo’s name, which means joy in Yoruba—a widely spoken language in West Africa—reflects the spirit of celebration and unity associated with the Games. Wearing a traditional Fulani Tingandé hat, Ayo represents wisdom, dignity, and a connection to rural life, embodying the values of Dakar 2026 and highlighting Senegal’s cultural heritage as the host nation.

According to African Press Organization, the YOG Organising Committee unveiled Ayo during a special ceremony at the Grand Theatre in Dakar, marking one year to go until the Games. The event was attended by President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026, and Mamadou D. Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee.

The mascot was selected from a nationwide competition conducted by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education. Open to middle and secondary school students, the competition received over 500 entries from all 16 academic inspectorates in Senegal. This initiative aimed to promote creativity among young people and strengthen their connection to the Games, which will be the first Olympic event held on African soil.

In addition to the mascot launch, the One Year to Go celebrations will feature 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.

Celebrations will continue in early November with the fourth and final edition of Dakar en Jeux, an annual cultural and sports festival that has become integral to the Dakar 2026 engagement programme. Scheduled from 4 to 9 November across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly, the festival will unite local communities through sport, music, and visual arts while promoting Olympic values among young people across Senegal.

The Dakar 2026 YOG is set to 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 hosted across three sites in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.