IOC: beginning of the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Games in South Korea on 19/01/2024

The 4^th edition of the Winter Youth Games (YOG) began in Gangwon province, South Korea, with a "universe-themed" opening ceremony held simultaneously on the Gangneung Oval and at the PyeongChang Dome on 19/01/2024.

"Dear young athletes: this is your moment. You are following in the footsteps of sporting icons who made Olympic history right here at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. Now it is your turn. Give it your best at your first Olympic competition. Make new friends. Live the Olympic values. Respect yourself. Respect your competitors. Respect the rules," said Thomas Bach, president of the IOC on the occasion.

As part of the new generation of Games, the traditional Olympic flame was lit digitally for the first time, in addition to being physically ignited during the ceremony. "Throughout the YOG, this large-scale representation of the Youth Olympic flame can be viewed at the Olympic Park in Gangneung, allowing visitors to take pictures and selfies," said the IOC on 12/01/2024.

1,802 athletes aged 14 to 18 from 78 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are taking part in these…