Dakar 2026 unveils mascot “Ayo” as the countdown to Africa’s first Olympic event begins

To mark one year to go until the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), where Baseball5 is ready to make its historic Olympic debut, the official Dakar 2026 mascot was unveiled today during a ceremony at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar. 

Ayo is a young lion, who symbolises the joy and energy of Senegalese youth. Its name means “joy” in Yoruba – a language widely spoken in West Africa – and reflects the spirit of celebration and unity associated with the Games. Ayo wears a traditional Fulani Tingandé hat, representing wisdom, dignity and a connection to rural life.

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, an Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, said: “These Games represent so much for Africa; they will inspire the next generation and open doors of opportunity across our continent and beyond.

“Mascot Ayo carries a powerful message of joy and breaks many boundaries, a true symbol of how young and dynamic our continent is. Every day, new opportunities are opening up for Senegal’s youth, and these Games are making that happen. I can’t wait to be back here a year from now to celebrate together.”

Additionally, the “One Year to Go” celebrations included the unveiling of the official countdown clock in the heart of the Senegalese capital. 

The celebrations will continue into November with the fourth and final edition of Dakar en Jeux, the annual cultural and sports festival that has become a central element of the Dakar 2026 engagement strategy. Taking place from 4 to 9 November across the three host cities of Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, the festival brings together local communities, thousands of students, and artists through sport, music and visual arts, while promoting the Olympic values.

From 5 to 7 November, Dakar will also host NOC Open Days, with up to 45 NOCs expected to take part. Organised by the Dakar 2026’s NOC Relations and Services Department, the two-day programme will include visits to competition and training venues, an overview of Games preparations and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation ahead of Dakar 2026.

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.

Baseball5 is one of the 25 competition sports on the programme at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event to be held in Africa.