Get ready for an exciting journey as we explore the future of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG)! The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just announced its preferred hosts for the 2030 edition, and it's a thrilling trio: Asunción, Paraguay; Bangkok, Thailand; and Santiago, Chile. These cities have been invited to engage in a Targeted Dialogue, a process that will shape the future of YOG and determine the host city. But here's where it gets controversial...
KEY FACTS:
- The IOC has officially invited these three cities to begin detailed discussions, with the aim of electing the host by 2026.
- This decision is based on a proposal by the IOC's Working Group on YOG, chaired by Danka Hrbeková, an IOC member from Slovakia.
- The Targeted Dialogue will focus on preliminary proposals for YOG reforms, specifically for the 2030 edition.
Each of these cities brings something unique to the table, offering a blend of experience, sustainability, and a vision for a better future for their youth. Asunción, with its expertise from hosting the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, promises a festive celebration of YOG. Bangkok, on the other hand, boasts a university campus for the main Youth Olympic Village and aims to create a memorable experience for athletes. Santiago, with its recent success in hosting the 2023 Pan American Games, ensures a distinct and enjoyable YOG experience.
The YOG Working Group will continue to evaluate the potential of future YOG editions, consulting with various stakeholders to ensure the event benefits young athletes and the entire sports movement. Hrbeková emphasizes the value that potential hosts see in YOG, highlighting its impact on young athletes and its role as an innovation lab for Olympic sports.
All three projects align with local and national development plans, offering a wide range of socio-economic benefits to their communities. But here's the part most people miss: it's not just about the games; it's about the long-term impact on the youth and the community.
Let's delve deeper into each city's unique opportunities:
Asunción, Paraguay:
- 100% existing or temporary competition venues, leveraging expertise from the 2025 Junior Pan American Games.
- A single cluster for a unified and festive YOG celebration.
- Strong government support, with a commitment to fund 95% of the YOGOC budget.
Bangkok, Thailand:
- 100% existing or temporary infrastructure, including a university campus for the Youth Olympic Village.
- Two clusters - one urban and one beach - for a diverse and memorable YOG experience.
- Strong government backing, funding 80% of the YOGOC budget.
Santiago, Chile:
- 100% existing or temporary competition venues, building on expertise from the 2023 Pan American Games.
- Two clusters - one urban and one coastal - offering distinct experiences for athletes.
- Robust government support, funding 70% of the YOGOC budget and guaranteeing any shortfalls and the construction of the Youth Olympic Village.
The IOC's feasibility assessments are based on continuous dialogue and exchanges with these interested parties, following the guidelines of Olympic Agenda 2020. During the Targeted Dialogue, the preferred hosts will provide detailed responses to the IOC's Future Host Questionnaire and offer signed guarantees from their respective authorities.
At the end of this process, the IOC will decide whether one, two, or all three projects meet the requirements to be considered by IOC members when they vote on the host of the 2030 YOG in mid-2026.
The next YOG is set to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 October to 13 November 2026, originally scheduled for 2022 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last Summer YOG was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2018.
So, which city do you think will emerge as the host for the 2030 YOG? And what impact do you think these games will have on the youth and the community? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! The future of YOG is in our hands, and it's an exciting journey ahead!
