Snowsports athletes participated in the 1st Youth Olympic Games in Alpine Skiing in Innsbruck 2012, following that in Lillehammer 2016 and Lausanne 2020. Also many European Youth Olympic Games since 1999 and look forward to the next EYOF in December 2021 in Vuokatti (FIN).
The 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games, officially known as the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG), is an international multi-sport event for youths that took place in Innsbruck, from 13 to 22 January 2012. It was the inaugural Winter Youth Olympics, a major sports and cultural festival celebrated in the tradition of the Olympic Games. Approximately 1100 athletes from 70 countries took part. The decision for Innsbruck to host the Games was announced on December 12, 2008 after mail voting by 105 International Olympic Committee (IOC) members. Innsbruck is the first city to host three Olympic events, having previously hosted the 1964 Winter Olympics and the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Matt Ryan and Emma Austin represented Ireland at the YOG in Lausanne 2020.
Gary Skinner represented Ireland at the YOG in Lillehammer 2016.
Florence Bell represented Ireland at the games in in the Alpine skiing events of Slalom, Giant Slalom. Jim Devlin headed the Irish delegation as Chef de Mission. Florence finished in both her races at the Games: 34th position in the Giant Slalom race on Wednesday 18th January and 24th position in the Slalom race on Friday 20th January 2012.
1st Winter Youth Olympic Games
After having welcomed the Olympic Family in 1964 and 1976, Bergisel Stadium staged the Opening Ceremony of the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games on 13th January 2012 – with a fresh and youthful programme.
The official report of the games is available for download here
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