IOC

0 November 2023 – Fifty days before the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024, the IOC Executive Board (EB) was briefed today on the preparations for the next Winter YOG. The EB also heard an update about the next summer YOG edition – Dakar 2026.

Gangwon 2024

Speaking via video conference, Coordination Commission Chair and IOC Member Hong Zhang said: “I am delighted to announce that the project is well on track to ensure successful Youth Olympic Games in January. We warmly welcome the appointment of our new President, who adds valuable leadership to our team, and who will be working alongside the two current Co-Presidents.”

Kim Chul-min, Secretary General of the Gangwon 2024 Winter YOG Organising Committee (YOGOC), reported on the operational readiness and the key milestones achieved in the lead-up to Gangwon 2024.

Governance

Choi Jong-gu was appointed as President of the YOGOC during an official event in Seoul on 27 November 2023. Additionally, a new seven-member Advisers Group has been established to assist with the Games preparations.

Torch Tour

The Torch Tour for Gangwon 2024 commenced on 11 October in Seoul, and is scheduled to visit 26 cities and counties, including its final stage in Gangneung on 29 December. The tour has already engaged over 10,650 spectators in the celebration events across the country.

Ticketing

Separately, the ticketing strategy for Gangwon 2024 was outlined, with the ticketing platform having been launched earlier this month. Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are now on sale, while tickets for all other events can be booked free of charge.

Safeguarding

The EB also approved the updated IOC Games-Time Safeguarding Framework for publication and implementation at upcoming Youth Olympic Games and Olympic Games. Its first implementation will be at the Winter YOG Gangwon 2024.

In the closing stages of preparation for Gangwon 2024, the YOGOC is focusing on finalising operational aspects and spectator engagement. A recent operational readiness exercise, involving all YOGOC executives, was conducted to ensure the smooth running of the Games.

Today, it was also announced with 50 days to go that Eileen Gu will be the Global Ambassador for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024

Dakar 2026

Present at the EB meeting in Paris, the Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026 Kirsty Coventry, said: “I am pleased to have this opportunity to once again address all of you as Chair of the Coordination Commission for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. It was wonderful to see the images and video of the Dakar en JeuxFestival, marking an exceptional celebration of sport and youth.”

About the advancement of the project, she said: “It is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the YOGOC and IOC teams allowing for the necessary revisions and adaptations to the Dakar 2026 project in the current context. As refurbishment works commence at the project sites, the continual monitoring of progress is vital, and we look forward to receiving regular updates from the Dakar 2026 team.”

General Coordinator of the Organising Committee Ibrahima Wade and IOC Member in Senegal Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye presented the updates on the YOG Dakar 2026, focusing on recent key developments.

Dakar en Jeux! Festival

A major highlight was the organisation of the Dakar en Jeux! Festival 2023, held from 31 October to 4 November. This week-long event, blending sports and culture, attracted over 20,000 spectators and saw the participation of 3,000 children in sports activities across 12 disciplines. The festival also featured competitions in athletics, futsal and beach wrestling.

Digital engagement

Prior to Dakar en Jeux!, Dakar 2026, in collaboration with the IOC, launched the Dakar 2026 website and social media channels. This digital launch is a step forward in increasing the visibility of and engagement for Dakar 2026.

Venues and infrastructures

It was announced that the demolition and site security work has started, along with the sharing of plans and sketches for the stadium, the “Maison du Cuir” and the Tour de l’Oeuf. The tender file process for the construction of the Maison du Cuir is set to begin in December 2023, while work on the Iba Mar Diop and Tour de l’Oeuf sites will start in February 2024.