Excitement builds for 2016 Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer

By Published On: June 29th, 2014Comments Off on Excitement builds for 2016 Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer
Kjetil Jansrud with Lillehammer 2016 YOG hopefuls.

Kjetil Jansrud with Lillehammer 2016 YOG hopefuls.

As Lillehammer celebrates the 20th anniversary since hosting the Olympic Winter Games of 1994, the city is preparing to host the second Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2016, staying true to the spirit of their slogan, “Go beyond. Create tomorrow.”

Youth are at the centre of every YOG initiative: local college students and young designers created the “look” of the Games including the mascot which was recently chosen.

The Lillehammer 2016 YOG lynx mascot.

The Lillehammer 2016 YOG mascot.

In a public vote on Facebook, the lynx was selected among three finalists as the official mascot for Lillehammer 2016. It was a close race at the end, with the lynx beating out the weasel by a mere 30 votes. The mascots were created by young designers from around the world ages 15-25 years, with 18-year-old Line Ansethmoen of Norway winning the competition.

Prior to the mascot competition, the IOC announced in June that Olympic super G champion Kjetil Jansrud is a Lillehammer 2016 Ambassador. In this role, the 28-year-old will share his advice and experiences of top level competition with the next generation of young athletes while inspiring people around the world to get active and embrace the Olympic values.

“I started skiing when I was three years old not far from Lillehammer, so it is a real honor for me to be an Ambassador for the Youth Olympic Games almost in my own backyard!” exclaimed Jansrud. “This event will really inspire the young athletes in Norway and around the world, and I hope that I can help just a little bit to show how amazing sport is!”

Shortly after the announcement, Jansrud wasted no time getting down to business by hosting a training session for several young athletes aiming to compete in Lillehammer 2016 at the world famous Holmenkollen Ski Jumping venue.

Release courtesy of FIS

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About the Author: SR Staff Report