IOC Young Leaders programme open for applicants
October 23, 2020
The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Young Leaders programme launched in 2016 to empower talented young people to make a positive difference in their communities through sport. The newly redesigned programme, which is now welcoming applicants, aims to ensure that each young leader has the tools, resources and opportunities needed to truly reach their potential as social entrepreneurs.
IOC’s Young Leaders is part of its long-term commitment to support young people to become social changemakers. The programme contributes to the goal of the Olympic Movement to build “a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport.”
With the support of Worldwide Olympic Partner Panasonic, to date, IOC Young Leaders have delivered 116 sport-led projects, directly benefitting more than 30,000 people. Each project promotes Olympic values such as respect, tolerance, peace and gender equality, while also addressing a specific local problem.
As agents of Olympism they have also spoken at many international events spreading the message of sport for good and 17 IOC Young Leaders are currently IOC Commission Members.
“I have been truly impressed with the energy and passion of this group of young social entrepreneurs. I have had the pleasure to enjoy lively debates with them at three editions of the IOC Youth Summit, and I do not need any more convincing that the focus, determination and skills of such young talents can deeply change their communities.” IOC President Thomas Bach.
The new version will see 25 change makers imagine, design and realise their own sustainable sport-based social business. Over the four years, each participant will receive expert guidance on a myriad of topics from human-centred design to impact measurement to user testing, as well as seed funding and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
There will be a strong focus on supporting exceptional young people to solve local problems through grassroots sports initiatives and sustainable business models, including a blended learning approach with monthly learning activities and in-person events, emphasising leadership development.
The IOC is looking to invest in an exceptional group of young leaders who have the passion to solve local problems through local sport initiatives and sustainable social business models. Searching for a diverse group with different backgrounds, perspectives, skillsets, motivations and experiences, applications are open to all.
In order to apply, applicants must first complete a six-week learning sprint which will provide an introduction to Olympism in action, sport for development and social business. It will feature weekly expert webinars, peer to peer exchanges, resource sharing and self-directed learning activities. Open to all, this module begins November 2nd and ends December 11th.
If you are interested in applying to become an IOC Young Leader, complete the six-week learning sprint which will be delivered online.