Dakar 2026 Mascot Ayo Joins Milano Cortina 2026 Celebrations. Milan, Italy — Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games mascot Ayo joined the festivities at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, marking a significant milestone as the world counts down to the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
The symbolic visit of Ayo, whose name means “joy “in Yoruba, to Tina, the mascot of Milano Cortina 2026, highlighted the universal spirit of the Olympic Movement and the cultural exchange that defines the Games.
In the heart of Milan, at Piazza del Duomo and the historic Castello Sforzesco, the two mascots were greeted by fans from across the globe.
The meeting between Ayo and Tina, representing the upcoming editions of the Youth Olympic Games, underscored the shared vision of inspiring young athletes and promoting global unity through sport.
The visit, which came just days before the 250-day countdown to Dakar 2026, also served as a reminder of the excitement building for the first Olympic sporting event to be staged on the African continent.
Ayo, the embodiment of joy and the energy of Senegalese youth, engaged with the vibrant atmosphere of the Winter Games, learning from Tina’s optimism and the power of sports to unite communities. Tina, one of the stoat siblings representing Milano Cortina 2026, embodies the Italian spirit of the Games, born in the mountains yet at home in the city.
Her message of resilience and inclusion resonated throughout the visit, reflecting the values that both editions of the Youth Olympic Games aim to promote.
During his time in Milan, Ayo also visited Worldwide Olympic Partners TCL and Samsung, further emphasizing the global reach and partnership of the Olympic Movement.
The encounter between Ayo and Tina also looked ahead to the future of the Youth Olympic Games, with the next Winter YOG set to bring young athletes together in the Italian regions of Dolomiti Valtellina. Dakar 2026 will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, gathering around 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17 across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.
The upcoming event is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Africa and inspire young athletes worldwide.
As the countdown to Dakar 2026 continues, the visit of Ayo to Milano Cortina 2026 serves as a powerful symbol of the global Olympic community’s commitment to fostering youth engagement, cultural exchange, and the spirit of sportsmanship.
