December 16, 2009 – The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the qualification system for the first Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Innsbruck in 2012. Prepared in close collaboration with the International Federations, the qualification system seeks to guarantee participation of the best athletes in their age category.

Over 1’000 athletes will compete in Innsbruck in seven sports, comprising 63 events. The number of sports on the program is identical to the Vancouver 2010 program. Each event has its own age group competing, either 15-16, 16-17 or 17-18 years old (age on 31st December 2012).

Besides the sports competition program, the YOG will feature an extensive Culture and Education Program (CEP), which aims to introduce young athletes to Olympism and the Olympic values, among other activities.