Dakar celebrated 365 days until the Youth Olympic Games on Friday. The first Olympic event in the history of the African continent will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026. IOC President Kirsty Coventry was in Dakar for this symbolic day, marked by the presentation of the official mascot and the launch of the countdown by timekeeper Omega.
Ayo, the lion of Dakar
The official mascot of the Youth Olympic Games was first unveiled at the presidential palace by the Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in the presence of Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, President of the Organizing Committee for the Youth Olympic Games (COJOJ), and representatives of the IOC, including President Kirsty Coventry. A lion, named Ayo, was chosen to embody the joy and energy of Senegalese youth for these Games. A logical choice given the importance of the lion in Senegalese culture – the national football team is even nicknamed the Lions of Teranga. Wearing a tingandé, a typical Senegalese hat, Ayo was selected following a national competition, for which the organizing committee received more than 500 applications. This method reflects the concept of an event driven by youth, designed with them and for them. " the Senegalese president emphasized.
Dalal Ak Jamm AYO 🇸🇳🫶🏾# Dakar2026 pic.twitter.com/yWtoHQQ4Qk
— Dakar 2026 (@jojdakar2026) October 31, 2025
« These Games mean a lot to Africa; they will inspire the next generation and will be a gateway to our continent and the rest of the world.Kirsty Coventry said during the ceremony. The mascot Ayo conveys a powerful message of joy and breaks down many barriers. She perfectly symbolizes the youth and dynamism of our continent. Every day, new opportunities open up for young Senegalese people, and these Games contribute to that. I look forward to being back here in a year to celebrate this event with you all."The competition for the official music of the Youth Olympic Games, however, is still underway since it has been extended until November 17th.
Fourth edition of the Dakar en Jeux festival
The official OMEGA countdown was launched in the afternoon at Dakar train station. This further cements the prospect of the Youth Olympic Games in the daily lives of the inhabitants. Dakar 2026 is shaping up to be a major milestone in the global development of sport, and as the official timekeeper, we are delighted to contribute our expertise., commented Raynald Aeschlimann, CEO of Omega. The Youth Olympic Games have always been a launching pad for remarkable sporting careers. I am convinced that the historic events planned for next year in Senegal will in turn reveal a new generation of rising young talents. “Ibrahima Wade, general coordinator of the COJOJ, at the same time emphasized enthusiasm "which he is already noticing a year before the event.
Dakar 2026 will extend the festivities in the coming days with the return of the Dakar en Jeux festival, from November 4th to 9th. The watchwords are sport, culture and education, with demonstration and discovery sessions (basketball, baseball, football, judo, boxing, fencing, badminton, table tennis, archery, etc.) as well as two international U16 futsal tournaments at the Dakar Arena. By hosting the Youth Olympic Games for the first time on African soil, our country is honored to write a new and bright chapter in its sporting and cultural history. " said Bassirou Diomaye Faye, promising that the Games will be a showcase of an Africa standing tall, confident in its youth, and eager to share with the world the universal values of sport, peace and fraternity "The Senegalese president will be visiting the construction sites related to the Youth Olympic Games this Sunday."
