Author: sHq_LoGiNz

With the ten year anniversary of the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lillehammer 2016 approaching on 12 February, the edition stands as a model of how an existing Olympic legacy can be adapted to serve a new generation.

International Olympic Committee news

Key facts

• Lillehammer 2016 relied entirely on an existing Olympic venue network, limiting new construction and reducing environmental impact.
• These were the first YOG to achieve ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management.
• The Youth Olympic Village was designed for conversion, and now operates as fully occupied student housing with 360 apartments.

Leveraging the venues and expertise of the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games, the 2016 organisers delivered a YOG edition centred on high-level sport, education and leadership development — while embedding sustainability and long-term use into planning and delivery.

A decade on, that approach continues to deliver impact across sport, communities and international cooperation.

^{© IOC/Arnaud Meylan}

A legacy rooted in 1994

The Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games remain a benchmark for sustainable Games delivery, with venues planned for long-term use and strong reliance on public transport.

More than two decades later – at the time of the Lillehammer 2016 Winter YOG – those venues were still active and regularly upgraded through sport and community use. By 2018, they had hosted 32 World and European Championships, 129 World Cups and 161 national competitions – demonstrating sustained relevance well beyond Games time.

Passing the baton in 2016

Lillehammer 2016 translated this continuity into a Youth Olympic model designed for the next generation.

Competitions were staged across Lillehammer, Hamar, Gjøvik, Øyer and Oslo, combining established venues with regional flexibility and a focus on lasting local benefit. The Games advanced the region’s sustainability approach, becoming the first YOG edition certified to ISO 20121 sustainable event standards.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

The sports programme introduced several YOG debuts, including cross-country cross, snowboard cross, ski slopestyle, biathlon super sprint and monobob. Lillehammer 2016 also launched Coaches’ Corner, offering workshops for coaches and support staff, and including early experimentation with virtual reality as a learning tool.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

The Games provided an early international stage for athletes who have since progressed to senior Olympic and World Cup success, including Marius Lindvik, Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, Anne Odine Strøm and Birk Ruud. That progression is also visible at Milano Cortina 2026, where French biathlete Lou Jeanmonnot, who competed at Lillehammer 2016, has since gone on to win Olympic gold.

Designed with the future in mind

Among the most tangible legacies is the Youth Olympic Village. Supported by an IOC contribution of EUR 13.5 million, it was planned from the outset for post-Games use and now provides 360 student apartments in four buildings.

^{© IOC/Ian Jones}

The Lillehammer Olympic venue network also remains highly active today. Hafjell has returned to the Alpine World Cup calendar and will host the World Cup Finals later in 2026. Lysgårdsbakken continues to stage international ski jumping, Birkebeineren remains central to Nordic disciplines, and the Olympic Sliding Centre will host the IBSF World Championships in 2027.

Inspiring the next generation

Youth development was placed alongside sports performance. The Learn and Share programme offered structured activities across five themes — Your Career, Your Body and Mind, Your Stories, Your Discovery and Your Actions — addressing topics from nutrition and injury prevention to media skills and life beyond elite sport.

Community engagement was equally strong. Dream Day reached more than 17,500 school pupils, while Active Mind – Active Body encouraged daily physical activity. Volunteering was also positioned as a legacy pillar, with 3,200 volunteers from 81 nations supporting the Games, the majority under the age of 30.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

Sharing expertise globally

The Lillehammer 2016 legacy also extended beyond Norway. The Lillehammer Olympic Legacy Sports Centre, established in 2017, was created to share expertise with athletes, coaches and organisers, particularly from nations with developing winter sports programmes.

To date, it has engaged participants from 83 countries, including more than 1,000 athletes, 200 coaches and around 140 young sports leaders. A few examples help to illustrate that reach. Norway’s Heidi Dyhre Traaserud and Canada’s Abigail Strate took part in Lillehammer’s international ski jumping camps and have since progressed to senior success, including major championship and Olympic appearances.

The pathway also extends beyond the field of play. Ludovica Sini, a participant in Lillehammer’s Young Leaders programme, has since taken on a protocol coordination role for Milano Cortina 2026. The Olympic Sliding Centre continues to host international teams for early-season preparation, contributing to regional activity and visitor spending.

Ten years on

A decade later, Lillehammer 2016 stands as a perfect example of how a forward-looking legacy strategy, implemented in advance, can create lasting benefits for local communities.

Venues remain active, systems and expertise endure, and the Youth Olympic Village continues to host students. Building on the legacy created by Lillehammer 1994, the 2016 Winter YOG strengthened education and leadership programming, advanced sustainable event management, and reinforced the principle that Olympic investments are designed to serve communities long after the flame is extinguished.

With the ten year anniversary of the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lillehammer 2016 approaching on 12 February, the edition stands as a model of how an existing Olympic legacy can be adapted to serve a new generation.

International Olympic Committee news

Key facts

• Lillehammer 2016 relied entirely on an existing Olympic venue network, limiting new construction and reducing environmental impact.
• These were the first YOG to achieve ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management.
• The Youth Olympic Village was designed for conversion, and now operates as fully occupied student housing with 360 apartments.

Leveraging the venues and expertise of the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games, the 2016 organisers delivered a YOG edition centred on high-level sport, education and leadership development — while embedding sustainability and long-term use into planning and delivery.

A decade on, that approach continues to deliver impact across sport, communities and international cooperation.

^{© IOC/Arnaud Meylan}

A legacy rooted in 1994

The Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games remain a benchmark for sustainable Games delivery, with venues planned for long-term use and strong reliance on public transport.

More than two decades later – at the time of the Lillehammer 2016 Winter YOG – those venues were still active and regularly upgraded through sport and community use. By 2018, they had hosted 32 World and European Championships, 129 World Cups and 161 national competitions – demonstrating sustained relevance well beyond Games time.

Passing the baton in 2016

Lillehammer 2016 translated this continuity into a Youth Olympic model designed for the next generation.

Competitions were staged across Lillehammer, Hamar, Gjøvik, Øyer and Oslo, combining established venues with regional flexibility and a focus on lasting local benefit. The Games advanced the region’s sustainability approach, becoming the first YOG edition certified to ISO 20121 sustainable event standards.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

The sports programme introduced several YOG debuts, including cross-country cross, snowboard cross, ski slopestyle, biathlon super sprint and monobob. Lillehammer 2016 also launched Coaches’ Corner, offering workshops for coaches and support staff, and including early experimentation with virtual reality as a learning tool.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

The Games provided an early international stage for athletes who have since progressed to senior Olympic and World Cup success, including Marius Lindvik, Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, Anne Odine Strøm and Birk Ruud. That progression is also visible at Milano Cortina 2026, where French biathlete Lou Jeanmonnot, who competed at Lillehammer 2016, has since gone on to win Olympic gold.

Designed with the future in mind

Among the most tangible legacies is the Youth Olympic Village. Supported by an IOC contribution of EUR 13.5 million, it was planned from the outset for post-Games use and now provides 360 student apartments in four buildings.

^{© IOC/Ian Jones}

The Lillehammer Olympic venue network also remains highly active today. Hafjell has returned to the Alpine World Cup calendar and will host the World Cup Finals later in 2026. Lysgårdsbakken continues to stage international ski jumping, Birkebeineren remains central to Nordic disciplines, and the Olympic Sliding Centre will host the IBSF World Championships in 2027.

Inspiring the next generation

Youth development was placed alongside sports performance. The Learn and Share programme offered structured activities across five themes — Your Career, Your Body and Mind, Your Stories, Your Discovery and Your Actions — addressing topics from nutrition and injury prevention to media skills and life beyond elite sport.

Community engagement was equally strong. Dream Day reached more than 17,500 school pupils, while Active Mind – Active Body encouraged daily physical activity. Volunteering was also positioned as a legacy pillar, with 3,200 volunteers from 81 nations supporting the Games, the majority under the age of 30.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

Sharing expertise globally

The Lillehammer 2016 legacy also extended beyond Norway. The Lillehammer Olympic Legacy Sports Centre, established in 2017, was created to share expertise with athletes, coaches and organisers, particularly from nations with developing winter sports programmes.

To date, it has engaged participants from 83 countries, including more than 1,000 athletes, 200 coaches and around 140 young sports leaders. A few examples help to illustrate that reach. Norway’s Heidi Dyhre Traaserud and Canada’s Abigail Strate took part in Lillehammer’s international ski jumping camps and have since progressed to senior success, including major championship and Olympic appearances.

The pathway also extends beyond the field of play. Ludovica Sini, a participant in Lillehammer’s Young Leaders programme, has since taken on a protocol coordination role for Milano Cortina 2026. The Olympic Sliding Centre continues to host international teams for early-season preparation, contributing to regional activity and visitor spending.

Ten years on

A decade later, Lillehammer 2016 stands as a perfect example of how a forward-looking legacy strategy, implemented in advance, can create lasting benefits for local communities.

Venues remain active, systems and expertise endure, and the Youth Olympic Village continues to host students. Building on the legacy created by Lillehammer 1994, the 2016 Winter YOG strengthened education and leadership programming, advanced sustainable event management, and reinforced the principle that Olympic investments are designed to serve communities long after the flame is extinguished.

With the ten year anniversary of the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lillehammer 2016 approaching on 12 February, the edition stands as a model of how an existing Olympic legacy can be adapted to serve a new generation.

International Olympic Committee news

Key facts

• Lillehammer 2016 relied entirely on an existing Olympic venue network, limiting new construction and reducing environmental impact.
• These were the first YOG to achieve ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management.
• The Youth Olympic Village was designed for conversion, and now operates as fully occupied student housing with 360 apartments.

Leveraging the venues and expertise of the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games, the 2016 organisers delivered a YOG edition centred on high-level sport, education and leadership development — while embedding sustainability and long-term use into planning and delivery.

A decade on, that approach continues to deliver impact across sport, communities and international cooperation.

^{© IOC/Arnaud Meylan}

A legacy rooted in 1994

The Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games remain a benchmark for sustainable Games delivery, with venues planned for long-term use and strong reliance on public transport.

More than two decades later – at the time of the Lillehammer 2016 Winter YOG – those venues were still active and regularly upgraded through sport and community use. By 2018, they had hosted 32 World and European Championships, 129 World Cups and 161 national competitions – demonstrating sustained relevance well beyond Games time.

Passing the baton in 2016

Lillehammer 2016 translated this continuity into a Youth Olympic model designed for the next generation.

Competitions were staged across Lillehammer, Hamar, Gjøvik, Øyer and Oslo, combining established venues with regional flexibility and a focus on lasting local benefit. The Games advanced the region’s sustainability approach, becoming the first YOG edition certified to ISO 20121 sustainable event standards.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

The sports programme introduced several YOG debuts, including cross-country cross, snowboard cross, ski slopestyle, biathlon super sprint and monobob. Lillehammer 2016 also launched Coaches’ Corner, offering workshops for coaches and support staff, and including early experimentation with virtual reality as a learning tool.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

The Games provided an early international stage for athletes who have since progressed to senior Olympic and World Cup success, including Marius Lindvik, Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, Anne Odine Strøm and Birk Ruud. That progression is also visible at Milano Cortina 2026, where French biathlete Lou Jeanmonnot, who competed at Lillehammer 2016, has since gone on to win Olympic gold.

Designed with the future in mind

Among the most tangible legacies is the Youth Olympic Village. Supported by an IOC contribution of EUR 13.5 million, it was planned from the outset for post-Games use and now provides 360 student apartments in four buildings.

^{© IOC/Ian Jones}

The Lillehammer Olympic venue network also remains highly active today. Hafjell has returned to the Alpine World Cup calendar and will host the World Cup Finals later in 2026. Lysgårdsbakken continues to stage international ski jumping, Birkebeineren remains central to Nordic disciplines, and the Olympic Sliding Centre will host the IBSF World Championships in 2027.

Inspiring the next generation

Youth development was placed alongside sports performance. The Learn and Share programme offered structured activities across five themes — Your Career, Your Body and Mind, Your Stories, Your Discovery and Your Actions — addressing topics from nutrition and injury prevention to media skills and life beyond elite sport.

Community engagement was equally strong. Dream Day reached more than 17,500 school pupils, while Active Mind – Active Body encouraged daily physical activity. Volunteering was also positioned as a legacy pillar, with 3,200 volunteers from 81 nations supporting the Games, the majority under the age of 30.

^{© Youth Information Service (YIS)/IOC}

Sharing expertise globally

The Lillehammer 2016 legacy also extended beyond Norway. The Lillehammer Olympic Legacy Sports Centre, established in 2017, was created to share expertise with athletes, coaches and organisers, particularly from nations with developing winter sports programmes.

To date, it has engaged participants from 83 countries, including more than 1,000 athletes, 200 coaches and around 140 young sports leaders. A few examples help to illustrate that reach. Norway’s Heidi Dyhre Traaserud and Canada’s Abigail Strate took part in Lillehammer’s international ski jumping camps and have since progressed to senior success, including major championship and Olympic appearances.

The pathway also extends beyond the field of play. Ludovica Sini, a participant in Lillehammer’s Young Leaders programme, has since taken on a protocol coordination role for Milano Cortina 2026. The Olympic Sliding Centre continues to host international teams for early-season preparation, contributing to regional activity and visitor spending.

Ten years on

A decade later, Lillehammer 2016 stands as a perfect example of how a forward-looking legacy strategy, implemented in advance, can create lasting benefits for local communities.

Venues remain active, systems and expertise endure, and the Youth Olympic Village continues to host students. Building on the legacy created by Lillehammer 1994, the 2016 Winter YOG strengthened education and leadership programming, advanced sustainable event management, and reinforced the principle that Olympic investments are designed to serve communities long after the flame is extinguished.

Comcast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County (BGCSC) have opened a new Lift Zone at the Granite Falls Club to help youth build their digital skills. Powered by Comcast Business, this Lift Zone includes free WiFi access and was made possible by a $60,000 contribution from Comcast to support technology upgrades for the club and provide advanced programming for students. Lift Zones, Comcast’s nationwide initiative to ensure more people in more communities have access to the internet and digital tools needed to thrive, are backed by a $50 million cash and in-kind investment.

“Comcast’s new Lift Zone will make a real difference for youth in Granite Falls,” said Marci Volmer, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. “By providing a welcoming, reliable place to get online, the Lift Zone allows us to expand our impact for youth and teens elevating their experience and ensuring they have the digital access and training they need to succeed. From strengthening reading, writing, math, and science skills to exploring future careers, this investment is part of our broader partnership with Comcast to open doors to learning, connection, and career pathways.”

Building on the legacy of Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zone program, which launched in 2020 and now includes more than 1,250 locations nationwide, this Lift Zone will offer:

• New equipment including 3D printers, interactive lighting, teleconferencing with other clubs, high powered desktop computers, and laptops for each student to use.
• Live-streaming capabilities for Life & Workforce Readiness activities, Esports and more.
• High-performance computing center to host resume-building and job-search workshops and to support Club Programs such as Power Hour & Project Learn (academic support programs).
• Advanced tools, such as virtual reality, next-gen Esports PCs, digital fabrication equipment, 3D printers, robotics kits, and multimedia production equipment to enable students to explore STEAM and increase their access to technology.

“At Comcast, we’re committed to helping to close Washington’s digital skills gap, and that includes right here in Granite Falls,” said Keith Turner, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Pacific Northwest Region. “This Comcast Lift Zone will give students access to advanced technology and digital skills training needed to thrive, whether they’re accessing online homework, exploring new learning tools, or preparing for future careers.”

Comcast Lift Zones are part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and create a future of unlimited possibilities.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County is a non-profit organization providing young people ages 5-18 with a safe and positive place to spend their time before and after school and during the summer. Clubs are strategically located in neighborhoods and are accessible to all kids. Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County has been helping young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. To learn more, please visit our website: https://bgcsc.org/

Comcast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County (BGCSC) have opened a new Lift Zone at the Granite Falls Club to help youth build their digital skills. Powered by Comcast Business, this Lift Zone includes free WiFi access and was made possible by a $60,000 contribution from Comcast to support technology upgrades for the club and provide advanced programming for students. Lift Zones, Comcast’s nationwide initiative to ensure more people in more communities have access to the internet and digital tools needed to thrive, are backed by a $50 million cash and in-kind investment.

“Comcast’s new Lift Zone will make a real difference for youth in Granite Falls,” said Marci Volmer, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. “By providing a welcoming, reliable place to get online, the Lift Zone allows us to expand our impact for youth and teens elevating their experience and ensuring they have the digital access and training they need to succeed. From strengthening reading, writing, math, and science skills to exploring future careers, this investment is part of our broader partnership with Comcast to open doors to learning, connection, and career pathways.”

Building on the legacy of Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zone program, which launched in 2020 and now includes more than 1,250 locations nationwide, this Lift Zone will offer:

• New equipment including 3D printers, interactive lighting, teleconferencing with other clubs, high powered desktop computers, and laptops for each student to use.
• Live-streaming capabilities for Life & Workforce Readiness activities, Esports and more.
• High-performance computing center to host resume-building and job-search workshops and to support Club Programs such as Power Hour & Project Learn (academic support programs).
• Advanced tools, such as virtual reality, next-gen Esports PCs, digital fabrication equipment, 3D printers, robotics kits, and multimedia production equipment to enable students to explore STEAM and increase their access to technology.

“At Comcast, we’re committed to helping to close Washington’s digital skills gap, and that includes right here in Granite Falls,” said Keith Turner, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Pacific Northwest Region. “This Comcast Lift Zone will give students access to advanced technology and digital skills training needed to thrive, whether they’re accessing online homework, exploring new learning tools, or preparing for future careers.”

Comcast Lift Zones are part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and create a future of unlimited possibilities.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County is a non-profit organization providing young people ages 5-18 with a safe and positive place to spend their time before and after school and during the summer. Clubs are strategically located in neighborhoods and are accessible to all kids. Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County has been helping young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. To learn more, please visit our website: https://bgcsc.org/