The goal of the Youth Olympic Games is to encourage youth worldwide to become involved in sports and to uphold the Olympic values. It was during its session in Guatemala in July 2007 that the IOC (International Olympic Committee) decided to create a new sports event to educate, mobilise and influence young athletes to play an active role in their communities.
The YOG are a sports event for youth, combining sport, culture and education. The young athletes take part not only in high-level competitions but also in a cultural and educational programme based on five themes: Olympism and Olympic values; Skills Development; Well-being and healthy lifestyle; Social responsibility; and Expression via digital media.
The YOG follow the traditional 4-year cycle, with the summer editions in 2010, 2014, 2018, etc. and the winter editions in 2012, 2016, 2020, etc... The very first YOG were held in Singapore (14th to 26th August 2010), whilst the first edition of the winter YOG took place in Innsbruck (Austria) from 13th to 22nd January 2012.
S.A.S. Le Prince Albert II
H. E. Ms. Yvette Lambin-Berti
