Green light for Youth Games

Talented young athletes will have the chance to compete on a world stage at the new Youth Olympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted in favour of holding the Games for 14-18 year olds every two years.

The first Youth Olympic Summer Games will take place in 2010, featuring around 3,500 athletes competing in all the sports of the London 2012 Games.

The first Youth Olympic Winter Games will happen in 2012, with around 1,000 athletes.

The Games are part of a wider IOC strategy to inspire young people, including a dedicated website and an educational project on Olympic values.

Announcing the decision at the IOC session in Guatemala, IOC President Jacques Rogge said: "This is an historic moment for the Olympic Movement. We owe this to the youth of the world."

6 July 2007

Read more on the IOC website.