The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today named Lausanne, Switzerland, as the host city of the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2020. Lausanne, home to the IOC headquarters since 1915 and known as the Olympic Capital, was chosen over Brasov, Romania, during a vote at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur, with 71 votes to Brasov’s 10.

In line with Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, approved last December, the Evaluation Commission for the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2020 focused its assessment of the two Candidate Cities for the first time on the key opportunities and risks associated with both bids and a focus on the athletes’ experience. The Commission, chaired by IOC Member in China Yang Yang, noted that both Lausanne and Brasov were capable of organising the Games. Lausanne was praised in particular for its good use of existing, temporary and demountable venues, in line with Olympic Agenda 2020 sustainability reforms.

Lausanne 2020 organisers have proposed 10 to 19 January 2020 as the dates for the Games. Over 1,000 athletes ranging in age from 15 to 18 are expected to compete at the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2020. Both YOG Candidate Cities were informed that a review of sports, disciplines and events will take place after the 2nd Winter Youth Olympic Games, due to be held in Lillehammer, Norway, in February 2016, and that the overall list of events would be completed approximately three years ahead of the Youth Olympic Games 2020.

President Bach will establish a Coordination Commission to assist Lausanne 2020 throughout its preparation period. The Youth Olympic Games are about competing, learning and sharing. They are a celebration of sport, youth, diversity and the Olympic values. They also exemplify the fundamental principle of Olympism to blend sport with culture and education. At the heart of the learn-and-share approach, a set of unique activities endeavours to equip the young athletes with sport and life skills; propose an innovative and powerful introduction to Olympism; and inspire participants to become ambassadors of the Olympic values. The 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games were held in Innsbruck, Austria in 2012. The 2nd edition is scheduled to take place from 12 to 21 February 2016 in Lillehammer, Norway.