Africa-Press – Gambia. Excitement is building across West Africa as Senegal prepares to host the Summer Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026, from 30 October to 13 November 2026.
The momentum intensified this week when Ayo, the official mascot of the Games, made a symbolic appearance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy.
In a colourful display of Olympic solidarity, Ayo met Tina, mascot of the Italian Winter Games, in the historic city of Milan. The two mascots were presented to fans at the iconic Piazza del Duomo and in front of the Castello Sforzesco.
Organisers said the visit formed part of activities marking the countdown to Dakar 2026, which is approaching the 250-day milestone. They noted that the encounter between Ayo and Tina symbolised shared Olympic values of unity, cultural exchange and youth empowerment.
Ayo, a young lion whose name means “joy” in Yoruba, represents the energy and ambition of Senegalese youth. During the visit, the mascot was introduced to the atmosphere of a host city staging the Olympic Games.
Tina, one of the stoat siblings symbolising the Italian Winter Games, embodies resilience and inclusion, values closely associated with the Youth Olympic spirit. The meeting of the two mascots underscored the global character of the Olympic Movement and strengthened links between Africa and Europe.
While in Milan, Ayo also paid courtesy visits to Worldwide Olympic Partners TCL and Samsung as part of efforts to reinforce partnerships ahead of Dakar 2026.
Dakar 2026 will mark the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil. The Games are expected to bring together about 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under, competing across three host zones — Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Senegal’s hosting of the Youth Olympic Games is widely regarded in the region as a milestone for African sport and youth development, with preparations intensifying ahead of the opening ceremony in October.
