Op Ed - Youth and Elite Sport: A Powerful Combination

(ATR) On the eve of theEuropean Youth Olympic Winter Festival, Colin Moynihan reflects on the importance of Youth Olympic events in this OpEd.

Moynihan is chairman of the British Olympic Association and the proud father of an alpine skier who will compete in next week's EYOWF. Events begin Sunday in Liberec, Czech Republic.

Youth and Elite Sport - A Powerful Combination

I am a passionate believer in the benefits that sporting participation can deliver, especially to young people.

Sporting participation is the base of the pyramid from which all our sporting heroes rise. It is key to a proactive health policy. Its social, economic and educational benefits are indisputable and the opportunity it offers for enjoyment and excitement can never be underestimated.

Chairing the European Olympic Committees' (EOC) Youth and Sport Commission, which met at the British Olympic Association (BOA) last September, we reviewed the breakthrough success of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games held in Singapore last summer. Our conclusion was that the Games had been a resounding success and provided a platform on which future generations will build.

Like the Youth Olympic Games, the European Youth Olympic Festivals were the inspirational brainchild of International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge. He developed the concept of bringing together the best young athletes from across the continent during his time as EOC President with the first Festival taking place in 1990.

The President’s foresight and ambition has provided generations of young athletes with the opportunity to test themselves against the very best competitors of their age group in a high quality Olympic sport environment.

The benefits are far wider and greater than purely the experience gained on the field of play. Youth Olympic events are focused on combining high-level sporting competition with an environment where athletes are encouraged to learn, share and build friendships. To gain an in-depth knowledge and respect for the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship whilst aspiring to their own goals, is unique to the Olympic Movement.

Unlike a Junior World Championships, the multi-sport nature of Youth Olympic events offer young athletes exposure to many different sports, cultures and backgrounds. In addition, the Olympic values underpin every element of the Olympic Movement and therefore ensure that these events stand alone from the rest of the competitive pathway.

The athletes gain an insight into the unique traditions and Ceremonies attached to the Olympic Games. The Youth Olympic events will help the athletes to better understand important issues such as leading healthy lifestyles, the dangers of doping, and behaving in a socially responsible manner.

I am sure that the lessons learned and the nurturingthat takes place at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival (EYOWF) and other Youth Olympic events will greatly benefit the long term development of these young athletes. The experience will prepare them well for the demands they will face in progressing their careers through to senior international and ultimately Olympic level.

In the UK alone many athletes have graduated from their Youth Olympic experience to become full Olympians and have represented their country with pride and excellence at the Olympics and Olympic Winter Games.

As recently as 2007 the likes of Louis Smith (Beijing 2008 bronze medallist gymnast), Tom Daley (World Champion diver), Tom Lucy (Beijing 2008 silver medallist rower), Aaron Cook (Taekwondo World number one) and Ashley Jackson (Hockey World Young Player of the Year) participated in the Australian Youth Olympic Festival before going on to compete in the Beijing 2008 Olympics the following year. DoubleOlympic Champion Rebecca Adlington competed in early editions of the European Youth Olympic Festivals, demonstrating the pathway that exists for athletes who possess the dedication and commitment to match their outstanding natural talent.

I have no doubt these results are replicated across the many nations involved in Youth Olympic competition.

During the course of the next week more than 1,500 of the most highly talented young winter sport athletes from 44 European nations will compete on the snow and ice of Liberec in the Czech Republic at the tenth edition of the EYOWF. An unforgettable experience and an important step on their aspirational journey towards becoming future Olympians lies in wait for the outstanding young athletes involved.

For every one of the 15 athletes selected to represent Great Britain, the EYOWF will be their first taste of Olympic competition and their first exposure to the unique Olympic environment. As Chairman of the BOA, I will be supporting every Team GB competitor out in Liberec. I will also be a proud father watching nervously as my son races in the alpine events.

The week ahead provides Team GB with an excellent opportunity to showcase the best of young British talent, before welcoming the world as the next Olympic host nation.

For the young athletes from the many European nations taking part, the EYOWF presents the opportunity of a lifetime and potentially, an important stepping stone on their Olympic journey. Encouraging young people to develop their physical literacy to the highest level to which they aspire also encourages them to develop as positive role models within their societies - something every country would wish for their youth. Let the competition begin!

By Colin Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Association.

Op Ed is acolumn of opinion and ideas from Around the Rings. Comments, as well as guest columns are welcomed: comment@aroundtherings.com