logo
Dolomiti Valtellina to host the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirms

Dolomiti Valtellina to host the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirms

Zawya30-01-2025

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially selected Dolomiti Valtellina of Italy, as the host for the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The announcement was made during the 143rd IOC Extraordinary Session, held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The session was streamed live on the IOC Media's YouTube channel.
HOST CITY VOTE FOR 2028 WINTER YOG The selection of Dolomiti Valtellina followed a comprehensive evaluation. On December 3, 2024, the IOC Executive Board recommended Dolomiti Valtellina after a targeted dialogue with the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and its partners, which began in July 2024. The final decision was confirmed by IOC members through a formal vote during the session.
ANCHORING ON MILANO-CORTINA LEGACY Dolomiti Valtellina's successful bid is anchored in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics commitment to sustainability and youth engagement. The project leverages the existing infrastructure from the 2026 winter event, ensuring cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility. The key priorities of the organizing committee include:
Maximizing the use of existing Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic venues.
Promoting sustainable event management.
Encouraging youth participation in winter sports.
Enhancing social engagement and leadership.
Strengthening international unity and friendship.
State-of-the-Art Venues.
STATE OF THE ART VENUES The master plan incorporates existing venues in Valtellina, Val di Fiemme, and Cortina, utilizing seven of the 11 competition sites used during Milano-Cortina 2026. The Future Host Commission endorsed the plan, with Commission Chair Karl Stoss stating: 'Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 is founded on a strong vision, clear legacy goals, and a well-structured venue plan' (http://apo-opa.co/4aITFSv).
FEATURED SPORTS&PARTICIPATION The 2028 Winter YOG program will feature biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, luge, skating, and skiing, with a maximum athlete quota of 1,900. In collaboration with international sports federations, the IOC Executive Board will finalize the event program and athlete quotas within a year to optimize costs and logistics. Additionally, the Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee (YOGOC) may propose new sports for inclusion.
Catch the full session and official announcements here: Watch the IOC 143rd Session Live recording: https://apo-opa.co/4aFPqHB
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Youth Charter Calls for Greater Cohesion in Sport for Development to Deliver United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals
Youth Charter Calls for Greater Cohesion in Sport for Development to Deliver United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals

Zawya

time2 days ago

  • Zawya

Youth Charter Calls for Greater Cohesion in Sport for Development to Deliver United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals

The Youth Charter ( a pioneering social legacy organisation dedicated to sport for development and peace, has issued a statement urging greater cohesion, accountability, and youth inclusion in the global delivery of sport-based initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response to the outcomes of the recent IOC 355 Sustainability Summit, the Youth Charter welcomed the ambition and progress presented through the IOC's Olympism365 programme, with over 550 projects across 175 countries. However, the Charter emphasised that meaningful impact can only be achieved through unified action, public transparency, and intergenerational collaboration. 'Potential alone is not progress. The Olympic Movement must now shift from vision to delivery—co-creating with youth, investing in communities, and reporting with integrity,' said Geoff Thompson, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter. Key Observations Highlighted in the Youth Charter Response: Leadership without Local Alignment: Only 10% of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have public sustainability strategies, revealing a critical gap between global vision and national implementation. Lack of Transparent Reporting: The IOC has not released a sustainability report since 2019. Without annual, independent reporting, public trust and measurable accountability are compromised. Safeguarding&Mental Health: Positive strides were announced, but implementation at scale—particularly in the Global South—remains inconsistent and underfunded. Non-binding Targets: The withdrawal of Brisbane 2032's 'climate positive' goal raises urgent questions about the enforceability of sustainability commitments. Absence of Youth Voice: Despite sport's potential to empower young people, youth were largely absent from the Summit's strategic focus and decision-making platforms. Youth Charter Global Call 2 Action – Five-Point Plan: Unified SDG Framework: Embed the UN SDGs across all Olympic bodies with measurable targets and community accountability. Annual Impact Reporting: Commit to public, independent sustainability reporting across all levels of the Olympic Movement. Youth and Community Engagement Taskforce: Establish a cross-sector platform to amplify youth voice in strategy, delivery, and evaluation. Local Ecosystem Collaboration: Strengthen links between NOCs and local education, health, and community networks to ensure inclusive implementation. Investment in Social Legacy Infrastructure: Redirect long-term funding into community-based sport infrastructure, youth employment, and safeguarding systems. 'Young people are not just spectators or beneficiaries. They are the change-makers. The time has come to engage them as equal partners in shaping sport's global impact,' added Thompson. As the world prepares for Paris 2024 and looks toward the final phase of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the Youth Charter is calling on the IOC, National Olympic Committees, and all sport stakeholders to recommit to the true spirit of Olympism —as a force for health, peace, equity, and sustainable change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #InternationalOlympicCommittee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretariat #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise.

Dakar 2026 Advances Venue and Legacy Plans as Youth Olympic Games Preparations Intensify
Dakar 2026 Advances Venue and Legacy Plans as Youth Olympic Games Preparations Intensify

Zawya

time12-05-2025

  • Zawya

Dakar 2026 Advances Venue and Legacy Plans as Youth Olympic Games Preparations Intensify

With less than a year and a half until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 ( begin, the seventh meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s ( Coordination Commission marked another key milestone in Games planning. The two-day hybrid meeting brought together key stakeholders to review the latest progress in Dakar 2026 preparations. Newly appointed Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange ( IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry ( and an IOC delegation participated on-site in Dakar, while other Commission members joined remotely – including IOC Vice-President Nawal El Moutawakel, who has played a pivotal role in the leadership and direction of the Commission from its early stages and has recently been named Vice-Chair. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to delivering Africa's first Olympic sporting event, with a strong focus on operational success and a lasting legacy for the Senegalese youth. The meeting opened with a video message from IOC President Thomas Bach, who praised the progress made by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) and underlined the unique significance of the first Olympic sporting event on African soil. 'We all know that the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will be truly special,' he said. 'Dakar 2026 will be a moment for Africa to shine on the global stage. Dakar 2026 will welcome young athletes from around the world to celebrate sport, culture and the legendary Senegalese spirit of teranga.' Learning Academy launches first cohort A central highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy ( – a flagship initiative designed to train and recruit over 400 young professionals aged 21 to 35 in the lead-up to the Games. This structured programme equips participants with essential skills in Games management and operations, enabling them to support the Organising Committee, while building long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Venue master plan finalised as works progress The Coordination Commission welcomed the finalisation of the Dakar 2026 venue master plan, which now includes confirmation of the road cycling route. The race will start and finish along Dakar's scenic Corniche Ouest, providing a vivid and iconic backdrop. Significant construction progress has also been reported across key venues, enhancing overall venue readiness. Comprehensive planning across Games operations In addition to people management, legacy and venues, the Coordination Commission reviewed progress across all functional areas, including technology, ticketing, Games services, marketing, security, athlete education and youth engagement. Progress has been made since the last Commission meeting in November 2024. The Commission emphasised the importance of transitioning towards a more operational and delivery-focused approach, with the YOGOC evolving into its Games-time structure. Humphrey Kayange, Chair of the Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026, said: 'With less than 18 months to go, we are entering the final stretch. These past two days have been incredibly valuable, filled with constructive exchanges that have helped us build a clear picture of where we stand. The momentum that's been built gives us confidence as we move forward towards delivering extraordinary Games for Africa.' Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, also reflected on the progress made and the strengthened commitment from all stakeholders: 'By the end of this 7th meeting, the Coordination Commission, led by its new Chair, Humphrey Kayange, had seen and welcomed the considerable progress made in the various areas related to the YOG Dakar 2026 preparations, and observed that the stage is set for memorable YOG on African soil. It was heartening to hear IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry's re-affirmed commitment to supporting our project. This is an additional reason for the OCOG teams and all the national stakeholders to feel motivated and engaged. The spirit of co-creation between the IOC and Dakar 2026 that has been present so far is evident once again.' Corniche de Dakar to host Espace Let's Move Plans were also shared for the Corniche de Dakar, which will serve as the main hub for celebration and youth engagement during Dakar 2026. This iconic coastal stretch will host Espace Let's Move, a vibrant zone featuring engagement sports alongside a comprehensive programme of cultural, educational and interactive activities. Organised in partnership with national federations and local stakeholders, the area will offer sports demonstrations, health and nutrition workshops and activations promoting the Olympic values. Live entertainment and local food stalls will help create an inclusive, festival-like atmosphere that welcomes young people and families into the heart of the Games experience. Dakar en Jeux 2025 to celebrate youth, sport and Olympic values Looking ahead, the Dakar en Jeux Festival will return later this year for its fourth and final edition before the YOG. Taking place from 3 to 9 November 2025, the festival will once again bring together sport, culture, education and health in a dynamic week-long celebration that reflects the spirit and values of the Games. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes aged up to 17 years. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC). About International Olympic Committee: The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

Dakar 2026 Learning Academy officially launches with first cohort of young professionals
Dakar 2026 Learning Academy officially launches with first cohort of young professionals

Zawya

time08-05-2025

  • Zawya

Dakar 2026 Learning Academy officially launches with first cohort of young professionals

The Dakar 2026 ( Learning Academy, a new flagship legacy initiative designed to recruit and train over 400 young professionals in Games delivery, was officially launched on Wednesday. The inauguration ceremony was held as part of the seventh visit of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)'s ( Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission (CoCom) to Senegal. The training programme marks a key step in building local expertise ahead of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and ensuring a strong human legacy from the first Olympic sports event on African soil. As part of the structured programme, participants receive 10 days of training delivered by the IOC, followed by five days of soft-skills development. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, they gain essential knowledge in Games planning, sports and event operations, and functional area responsibilities. This equips them with the skills to support the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC), while helping to build long-term event delivery capacity across Senegal and the continent. Once their training is complete, participants will join the YOGOC, applying their skills directly to the coordination and delivery of the Youth Olympic Games. In total, more than 400 young professionals will be trained through nine cohorts between now and September 2026. Over half of the Dakar 2026 workforce is expected to be composed of Learning Academy alumni, demonstrating the central role this initiative is playing in delivering the Games. The first cohort of 41 young professionals began their training in late April. They were selected from a pool of 1,800 applicants through a rigorous recruitment process. During their visit, the Coordination Commission ( members observed the first cohort in training at the Learning Academy, where the participants' enthusiasm and engagement were clearly on display. The delegation later joined the uplifting launch ceremony, which was marked by heartfelt messages, infectious enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose from the participants. The initiative reflects the Organising Committee's strong focus on people management and long-term legacy. It also supports broader efforts to embed youth empowerment at the heart of Dakar 2026. IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry ( congratulated the trainees and praised the impact of the initiative and the spirit of the first cohort. 'Next year, when we host the Youth Olympic Games, you are going to show the world what it is to be African, to feel African and to have that experience. You are ambassadors for the young generation of what the sporting movement can be, and the legacy the Youth Olympic Games can leave behind.' Humphrey Kayange ( Chair of the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission, said: "On behalf of the entire Commission, we're truly excited and looking forward to engaging with you. We're confident in your ability to deliver. Together, we will bring these Games to life and celebrate the Youth Olympic Games in a uniquely African way. I wish you all the best as you begin working across different functional areas in the coming weeks. We're looking forward to your success and the success of the Games." Earlier during the CoCom meeting, Ibrahima Wade, General Coordinator of the YOGOC, emphasised the Academy's role in preparing the next generation of event professionals: 'At the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy, participants will receive appropriate support through tailored training modules and an environment where sport and Olympism will contribute to their professional development, based around the values of friendship, excellence and respect. These young recruits will go on to play an active role in delivering the first Youth Olympic Games in Africa.' The Learning Academy is part of a broader suite of legacy initiatives led by the Organising Committee to ensure that Dakar 2026 leaves a lasting impact on young people across Senegal and the African continent. The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place for two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world's best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store