(ATR) Chefs de mission, Young Ambassadors and Young Leaders all gathered in Lillehammer as the city prepares to host the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.
The three groups attended separate seminars over the course of four days, learning what they needed to know heading into the YOG next February.
Nearly 100 representatives from 67 countries were on hand for the chefs de mission seminar, including four Olympians: Adam Pengilly (skeleton), Isabelle Charest (short track), Carl Verhijen (speed skating) and Vincent Defrasne (biathlon). Charest competed at the 1994 Winter Games also in Lillehammer, while Defrasne took home a gold medal at the Torino 2006 Games.
The 98 delegates received a tour of all of the venues in Lillehammer and nearby Hamar as well as a virtual tour of the short track, snowboarding and freestyle skiing venues. The national team leaders also sat down for one-on-one sessions to learn more about their upcoming responsibilities and attended meetings with the IOC along with the other two seminar participants.
The Young Ambassadors seminar welcomed 39 young people from 39 countries as they tested out the Learn and Share program that will be used during the Games. The Learn and Share program was formerly known as the Culture and Education program by the IOC and seeks to help young athletes learn more about proper health, career opportunities and the local culture.
"It’s a big experience being here in Lillehammer this weekend. We get to meet so many new people from all over the world. Being a part of the Young Ambassador Team, this seminar, being active and having fun with other youths, really bring us closer as a team," said Young Ambassador Kate Anderson, the American representative.
The third seminar of the weekend featured 130 Norwegian youths who have been chosen as Young Leaders. The Young Leaders will have important volunteer roles throughout the YOG.
The YOG is set to take place February 12-21, 2016.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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