CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 66th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors (YOA)
Updated Date: 23rd February, 2026
NOC Sri Lanka is pleased to inform that the 66th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors (YOA), organized by the International Olympic Academy and sponsored by the International Olympic Committee, will take place in Athens and Olympia from 6–18 June 2026 at the IOA premises in Ancient Olympia.
The YOA Session, organised since 1961, is the most emblematic Session of the IOA. It brings together young people aged 20–30 years from different nationalities in a spirit of friendship and cooperation, encouraging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of Olympism.
The programme offers a unique two-week multicultural experience including lectures by eminent professors, working group discussions and presentations, cultural visits, sports and arts activities, presentations by Olympians, and an international forum for free expression and exchange of ideas related to the Olympic Movement.
Main and Special Topics
' Main Topic: “Empowering Inclusion, Integrity and Responsibility for Every Athlete”
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Special Topic:“Championing Inclusion, Integrity and Responsibility: Building a Safe and Fair Future for Every Athlete”
Post-Session Obligations
' Upon online registration, participants in collaboration with their NOC/NOA must submit a plan of initiatives including at least three of the following:
' Assist in implementing a minimum of one programme with their NOC/NOA
' Disseminate knowledge and experience acquired during the Session at a school, sports organization, or through social media platforms reaching more than 100 people
' Create or become part of at least one network for the exchange of ideas on Olympic subjects
' Create a research, educational, or work project related to the IOA, sport, Olympism, or the Olympic Games
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Use social media platforms to disseminate their Session experience and subsequent projects
After implementation of their initiatives, Young Olympic Ambassadors must submit an impact report to the IOA, which will create a portfolio for further consideration by the IOC.
Financial and Logistics Information
Registration Fee:
' €150 per participant via PayPal or Pay-by-Link
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To be paid by each participant individually
Participation Fees:
' Covered by Olympic Solidarity for one male and/or one female per NOC
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Any additional nominee must pay the full participation fee of €1,220
Transport:
' 50% of economy airfare covered for one male and/or one female per NOC
' Third nominee (if any) must cover their own travel costs
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Local transportation during 6–18 June 2026 fully covered by IOA
Accommodation and Boarding:
' Covered by IOA in Athens (6–7 June) and Olympia
' Twin or triple rooms allocated to participants
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Extra nights will be at the participant’s expense
Visa:
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Visa application is the participant’s responsibility and should be submitted well in advance
Refund Policy:
' Full refund for cancellations up to 18 March 2026
' 50% refund for cancellations between 19–26 March 2026
'
No refund after 27 March 2026
Important Dates
' Arrival in Athens: Saturday, 6 June 2026
' Opening Ceremony in Athens: Sunday, 7 June 2026
' Departure to Olympia: Monday, 8 June 2026
' Session Works: Tuesday, 9 – Wednesday, 17 June 2026
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Departure from Olympia & Athens: Thursday, 18 June 2026
Registration platform: https://registration.ioa.org.gr
Final date for enrollment: Friday, 27 February 2026
NOC Sri Lanka Deadline: 26 February 2026 at 12 noon
Organizers Deadline: 27 February 2026
Eligibility Criteria
' Participants must be strictly 20–30 years old.
' Must have a genuine interest in the educational aspects of the Session, the aims of the IOA, and current issues of Olympism.
' Must not have previously attended a YOA Session.
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Each NOC may nominate up to three candidates in collaboration with their respective NOA.
Language Requirement:
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The working languages of the Session are English and French. Participants must be fluent in at least one of these languages and submit the relevant certificate or be native speakers.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
' Motivation letter, approximately 500 words
' Plan of initiatives, approximately 500 words
' Signed and sealed letter from NOC/NOA verifying official nomination
' Language certificate
' Copy of ID card or passport, maximum size 500kb
' Passport photo in electronic format (.jpg, .jpeg or .png | 4:3 ratio | minimum 300 DPI | approximately 100kb)
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Signed Declaration of Consent
Applicants may submit their applications via email to education@olympic.lk or hand-delivered before 12.00 p.m. on the deadline (26 February 2026) to the Sri Lanka Olympic House, 100/9F, Independence Avenue, Colombo 07.
For any clarifications, candidates may contact Ms. Nipuni Darshika at +94 71 210 0862.
Late applications will not be considered.
