Ayo is a young lion cub. His name translates from the Yoruba language as ‘joy’, which perfectly captures the energy and pride of Senegalese youth. Ayo wears a traditional Fulani hat, which symbolises wisdom and a deep connection to cultural heritage. Playful yet sensible, the lion cub perfectly embodies the Games’ core values: friendship, respect and the pursuit of excellence.

The Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will bring together young athletes across 25 competitive and 10 demonstration sports. The Games will be held under the motto ‘Learn, Share, Act’, which perfectly embodies the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games: to discover new things, share experiences and inspire others through one’s actions.

Dakar will become the first city on the African continent to host an Olympic event of this scale, opening up new horizons for young people and driving social and economic change across the continent.