The International Olympic Committee -IOC- has announced the opening of applications for the new edition of the Young Reporters Programme, which will take place during the Youth Olympic Games -YOG- Dakar 2026. Sixteen aspiring sports journalists from around the world will be selected to join this immersive training experience under the guidance of senior Olympic media professionals.

The programme was first launched at the Singapore 2010 YOG and has since trained 125 participants from 68 countries, equipping them with the tools and experience needed to begin careers in sports journalism. Many alumni have subsequently worked at the Olympic Games or for major international media outlets, including television broadcasters, digital platforms and news agencies.

An independent review conducted in 2025 by Dr Jessie Wilkie of the University of Canberra described it as “a highly effective and supportive journalism training programme.” According to the study, 63 per cent of participants have worked at the Olympic Games and one-third have collaborated directly with the IOC. The research also highlighted the value of the alumni community, many of whom called the experience “life-changing” for their professional careers.

A format aligned with today’s media landscape

The Dakar 2026 edition marks a significant evolution of the programme, incorporating the recommendations of the independent review and 15 years of participant feedback. While it retains its core principles of intensive training and mentorship, new components have been added to reflect the modern demands of sports journalism, with particular emphasis on social media integration.

Participants will receive training in print journalism, photography, broadcasting and digital communication. They will also gain hands-on experience in mixed zones and press conferences, alongside cultural activities that complement sports coverage.

Practical training and international exposure

Workshops will cover human-interest storytelling, working to tight deadlines, multimedia editing and journalistic standards of accuracy and fairness. Data analysis applied to sports coverage will also be addressed. All stories, photographs and video packages produced will be published on the programme’s official platforms, ensuring international exposure for participants.

The initiative will feature guest lectures from leading global media organisations and the Olympic Movement. At the end of the programme, each participant will receive an official IOC Certificate of Participation, while the most outstanding young reporter will be recognised with the Steve Parry Award.

Similar programmes at other international events

The model of combining intensive training with practical experience at a major sports event is not unique to the IOC. The International University Sports Federation -FISU- also runs its own Young Reporters Programme at the World University Games, giving selected candidates full access to competition venues and press conferences under a mentorship format similar to the Olympic model.

Meanwhile, the International Sports Press Association -AIPS- has implemented young reporters projects in partnership with world championships and international tournaments, and World Athletics has developed academies and content creator programmes at its flagship competitions. These initiatives, focused on digital production, multimedia storytelling and social media integration, reflect the growing commitment of the sports industry to preparing a new generation of specialised communicators.