The world’s eyes may be on the icy slopes of Italy, but a warm breeze from West Africa just swept through Milan.
In a historic cross-continental bridge, Ayo, the mascot for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, officially joined the festivities at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games last week.
This symbolic meeting between Ayo and the Italian mascot, Tina, marked a countdown to a landmark year for sport. While Milano Cortina 2026 celebrates the pinnacle of winter athletics, Dakar 2026 is preparing to make history as the first-ever Olympic event to be held on the African continent.
In the heart of Milan, against the backdrop of the Piazza del Duomo and the historic Castello Sforzesco, the two mascots showcased the universal spirit of the Olympic movement.
Ayo is a spirited young lion whose name means "joy" in Yoruba, representing the energy and ambition of Senegalese youth.
He was welcomed by Tina, a resilient stoat born in the mountains who embodies the Italian spirit of inclusion and optimism.
The encounter was more than just a photo op; it was a cultural exchange where Ayo experienced the "Games effect" first hand, seeing how sport can light up a city and unite fans from across the globe.
The timing of this visit is no coincidence. As the flame for the Winter Games begins to dim toward its closing ceremony, the spotlight shifts toward Senegal. Monday, February 23, marks the official 250-day countdown to Dakar 2026.
During his time in Milan, Ayo also visited Worldwide Olympic Partners TCL and Samsung, further cementing the global corporate support behind Africa's first Olympic hosting duties.
The Dakar 2026 Games will take place from October 31 to November 13, 2026, bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17. The competition will span three distinct host zones: the bustling capital of Dakar, the modern hub of Diamniadio, and the coastal beauty of Saly.
This transformative moment for the Olympic movement proves that whether on ice or on African soil, the joy of sport knows no borders.