The
Youth Olympic Games (
YOG) is an international
multi-sport event organized by the
International Olympic Committee. The games are held every four years in staggered summer and winter events consistent with the current
Olympic Games format. The first summer version was held in
Singapore from 14 to 26 August
2010 while the first winter version was held in
Innsbruck,
Austria from 13 to 22 January
2012. The age limitation of the athletes is 14 to 18. The idea of such an event was introduced by
Johann Rosenzopf from Austria in 1998. On 6 July 2007, International Olympic Committee (IOC) members at the 119th
IOC session in
Guatemala City approved the creation of a youth version of the
Olympic Games, with the intention of sharing the costs of hosting the event between the IOC and the host city, whereas the traveling costs of athletes and coaches were to be paid by the IOC. These Games will also feature cultural exchange programs and opportunities for participants to meet Olympic athletes.