Back in 2001 the Youth Olympic Games were an idea brought to the fore by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge. Finally, on 6th July 2007 IOC members approved the idea of a multi-sport event for young people between the ages of 14 and 18.

One year on the race to host the inaugural Winter Youth Olympics in 2012 has reached the home straight, but not matter who ends up as the host city its important to remember what the Games are all about.

Purpose of the Winter Youth Olympics

The very essence of he Winter Youth Olympics is not too dissimilar to that of the Olympic Games. These Games however, will clearly have a younger feel to them than that of their “senior” counterparts.