66TH INTERNATIONAL SESSION FOR YOUNG OLYMPIC AMBASSADORS, 06 – 18 JUNE 2026, ATHENS & OLYMPIA, GREECE
It is informed that the 66th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors will take place from 06 – 18 June 2026 in Athens & Olympia, Greece. This session aims to unite young individuals aged 20 – 30 from diverse backgrounds to foster friendship, collaboration, and the promotion of Olympism. The International Olympic Academy strongly encourages Olympic and Paralympic medalists and/or athletes who have participated in the Olympic or Paralympic Games to participate and share their experiences.
Participants will engage in lectures by distinguished experts, group discussions, cultural visits, sports and arts activities, and presentations by Olympians. The main topic of the session is “Empowering Inclusion, Integrity and Responsibility for Athlete”, with a special focus on “Championing Inclusion, Integrity and Responsibility: Building a Safe and Fair Future for Every Athlete.”
The candidates/participants of this program are required to submit a plan of initiatives they are going to take after the end of the session in order to share their experience and disseminate the knowledge acquired during the Session. This must include at least three (3) of the following:
• Assist in implementing of minimum one programme with their NOC/NOA.
• Disseminate knowledge and experience acquired in the Session at either a school, sports organization, or through social media platforms (reach needs to exceed 100 people).
• Create or become part of minimum one network for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and information on Olympic subjects (e.g. IOA social media network, IOAPA – IOA Alumni Network etc.).
• Create their own research, educational or work project which is related to the IOA, sports, Olympism, Olympic Games etc.
• Make use of the various social media platforms in order to disseminate a) the experience they have acquired during the Session and b) the work/projects/programs they have undertaken after being inspired by their participation (e.g. by creating their own YouTube channel/vlog detailing their experience, or by creating content on Facebook, Instagram etc. during and after the Session).
After the implementation of their plan of initiatives, the Young Olympic Ambassadors will be required to send their impact reports to the IOA who will then create a portfolio for further consideration by the IOC.
All participants are required to pay Registration Fees amounting to 150/- Euros per person. However, Participation Fees amounting to 1220 Euros per person are covered by IOC Olympic Solidarity. IOC Olympic Solidarity will also cover 50% of the cost of air tickets (economy class) for one male and/or one female participant. Any VISA fee or related expenses should be borne by the participants themselves.
The International Olympic Academy will cover local transport from June 6th (arrival) to June 18th (departure) and Accommodation both in Athens (only for the nights of 6th & 7th June 2026) and in Olympia will be at the charge of the International Olympic Academy. Any additional overnight stay in Athens must be taken in charge by the participants.
Foregoing the above, it is requested to nominate a suitable candidate /athlete (preferably an Olympic or Paralympic medalist or participant) aged 20-30 who have genuine interest in the educational aspects of the activities organized during the sessions, the aims of the IOA, as well as current issues of Olympism and submit the following documents by 31 January 2026:
• Updated CV
• Motivation Letter (approx. 500 words)
• Plan of Initiatives (minimum three post-session actions as mentioned above)
• Language Proficiency Certificate (English or French)
• Copy of Passport
• Recent Digital Photograph
Individuals who have previously attended the session are not eligible to apply. Incomplete Nominations or received after the deadline of 31 January 2026 will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview for final selection before submission to IOA/ IOC for registration and OS Scholarship consideration.
For any queries, feel free to contact the undersigned or Mr. Zaigham Abbas, Manager OS Programs, POA (0300-4003692).