Olympic Games get inspiration from Yoruba to name Mascot 'Ayo'

With just one year remaining until the Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026 has officially unveiled its mascot: a young lion named "Ayo."

The name, which means "joy" in Yoruba, a language widely spoken across West Africa, is intended to capture the celebratory spirit and unity of the Games.

Ayo is depicted as a symbol of the energy and happiness of Senegalese youth. The mascot wears a traditional Fulani Tingandé hat, which signifies wisdom, dignity, and a connection to rural heritage. This design aims to embody the core values of Dakar 2026 while celebrating Senegal's rich cultural identity as the host nation.

The official reveal took place during a special ceremony at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar, attended by several high-profile figures. Among them were Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, and Mamadou D. Ndiaye, President of both the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the significance of the event for the continent.

"These Games represent so much for Africa; they will inspire the next generation and open doors of opportunity across our continent and beyond," she stated.

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

The design for Ayo was chosen through a nationwide competition for middle and secondary school students, organised by the Dakar 2026 committee and the Ministry of National Education.

The contest drew over 500 submissions from all 16 academic inspectorates in Senegal, fostering creativity and a deeper connection to the first Olympic event ever held on African soil.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to run from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The event will bring together 2,700 of the world's top young athletes, aged up to 17, competing across the three host sites.