DAKAR, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveiled the mascot "Ayo" for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games here on Friday.
The ceremony was attended by Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Minister of Youth and Sports Khady Diene Gaye, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry.
The mascot, a small lion, wears a traditional Senegalese tingade hat and colorful African-style garments. Its shoes reflect local craftsmanship. The design aims to symbolize youth, vitality, and the African spirit.
The name "Ayo" means "joy" in Yoruba, reflecting Africa's cultural diversity and aligning with the Youth Olympic Games slogan, "Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates."
The design resulted from months of work by the Dakar YOG Organizing Committee. To promote inclusiveness, the committee partnered with Senegal's Ministry of Education to launch a nationwide design competition for students aged 12 to 18, which drew nearly 500 participants.
The winning design was submitted by 16-year-old Ndeye Marieme Diop from Saint-Louis in northern Senegal. The name "Ayo" was proposed by 18-year-old Guinean-born student Ndeye Khady Cristal Coumbassa.
At the ceremony, President Faye said successfully hosting the Dakar YOG is "a national priority" and "a continental mission for Africa."
"Senegal carries the hopes of the entire African continent, and we aim to make Africa's voice heard more clearly on the international stage," Faye said. "The Youth Olympic Games are not only a sporting event but also a platform to showcase a confident and rising Africa - a continent that trusts its youth, cherishes sports, and values peace and friendship."
Faye added that with government support, involvement from sports partners, and active participation by youth and citizens, Senegal is confident in "meeting this challenge."
Senegal will be the first African country to host the Youth Olympic Games. The 2026 Dakar YOG will open Oct. 31 and take place across three venues: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world are expected to compete in more than 20 sports, including athletics, fencing, swimming, skateboarding, judo, sailing, beach volleyball, and rugby sevens. New sports such as breaking, five-a-side baseball, triathlon, and wushu will also make their debut. ■
