English 
French 
Once upon a time, there was a vast golden plain in the heart of West Africa, in Senegal, there was a young lion unlike any other. He did not roar to impress or to hunt. He roared with joy. His name was Ayo, a word that resonates in many African languages as an invitation to happiness, an explosion of positive energy and a celebration of life. Ayo is not just a lion. He is the embodiment of the joyful and courageous spirit of African youth. He embodies enthusiasm, pride, hospitality, and above all, unity in diversity.
Ayo was born in the land of Teranga, Senegal, a country that welcomes foreigners as brothers and sisters and shares joy even in times of hardship. He grew up to the beat of the djembe, lulled by the tales of his elders and inspired by young people playing football on the sand and dreaming of becoming champions. One day when he heard about the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, AYO realised that it was time to roar for a greater cause: youth, sport, peace, and a rising Africa.
AYO wears the vibrant, multicoloured mane of Africa, full of cultures, traditions and promise. His smile reflects the youthful dynamism of a continent ready to embrace the world. He looks to the future, but his roots are firmly in the heritage of his ancestors. He is not alone. He runs with children, dances with champions and reaches out to those who doubt. He is there to encourage, bring people together, and transmit a unique energy: the joy of coming together and achieving great things.
Through AYO, all of Africa is celebrating its first Olympic event, and Senegal is opening its arms in proud welcome. He embodies the values of the Games — Excellence, Friendship and Respect — with an added touch of African warmth. AYO is more than just a mascot. He is a cry from the heart. A light. A promise. When you see AYO, remember that true strength comes not from claws, but from smiles, sharing and the contagious joy that can change the world.
The name AYO is of Yoruba origin. It means ‘Joy’ in this language native to Nigeria. However, it is commonly used in West Africa in particular and is considered a unisex name. In Yoruba, the language in which it has its roots, ‘AYO’ is a term that evokes cheerfulness, happiness and bliss.
It is very common in West Africa and is a beautiful tribute to Africa as a whole
The mascot was selected through a national competition organized by the Dakar 2026 Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education. Open to middle and high school students across Senegal, the contest received over 500 submissions from the country’s 16 academic inspectorates. The initiative aimed to encourage young people’s creativity and to strengthen their connection to the Games in the lead-up to the first Olympic event ever held on the African continent.
“Ayo” means joy in Yoruba. The name was chosen by 18-year-old high school senior Ndeye Khady Kristall Coumbassa, who gave the mascot its joyful identity. The lion’s design was created by Ndeye Mariama Diop, a 16-year-old sophomore, who drew inspiration from traditional African attire — including the Tingandé, a traditional Fulani hat — to bring this now-iconic lion to life.
