TUFS Student Participates in 2nd Youth Olympics Winter Games (2016/Lillehammer) as Young Ambassador for Japan

March 23, 2016

TUFS student Kengo Somei (School of Language and Culture Studies, English Language major, 4th year) was elected as the Young Ambassador of Japan in the 2nd Youth Olympics Winter Games which were held in Lillehammer (Norway). As prior training for the games, he participated in the Young Ambassador Seminar that was held over 5 days from 1st October 2015 (Thu) until 5th October (Mon). Here is Mr. Somei`s seminar report.

Mr. Somei`s Young Ambassador Seminar Report

TUFS
School of Language and Culture Studies, English Language major, 4th year
Kengo Somei

”2nd Youth Olympics Winter Games (2016/Lillehammer) Young Ambassador”

Tournament Information
Country/Location: Norway, Lillehammer
Tournament duration: 12th to 21st February 2016 (10 days)
Competitions/Events: 6 Competitions and 70 events

Young Ambassador Seminar Information
Country/Location: Norway, Lillehammer
Seminar Duration: 1st to 5th October 2015 (5 days)

The Youth Olympic Games is an international competitive tournament combining sports, culture and education for athletes between the ages of 14 and 18. Just like the Olympics, they are divided into summer and winter and each one is held every 4 years.

At the Youth Olympic Games, the activities are not only limited to the games, there are programs being specially designed for the athlete’s cultural education. During the 2016 Lillehammer Youth Olympics Winter Games these programs were carried out under the name Learn & Share. At Learn & Share, a wide array of programs were being prepared aimed at the development of young people who are involved in sport in order to nurture people who can become great role models for young athletes. For example, taking part in a simple nutrition lecture where participants actually made nutritionally balanced food in a workshop style environment and talks with professional athletes, through which they had the chance to gain advice and information regarding their career path as athletes. In addition, they had the chance to scientifically analyze the balance of their own body, find out ways to increase bodily performance and think about what kind of contributions can be made to society through sports. Through these programs, they have a great opportunity to widen their views through international exchange and shared learning with athletes of other countries.

In general, one Young Ambassador (YA) from each country is elected and conveys information regarding the Learn & Share programs to the athletes and urges them to participate. The main role of the Young Ambassador is to understand and consider the athletes differing practice times, adjustments and competition schedule and create an efficient schedule that allows for smooth transitions between events. Young Ambassadors are appointed after a document screening and an interview carried out by the Olympic Committee.

In preparation for the tournament, the Young Ambassador Seminar was conducted as prior training in Lillehammer, Norway from the 1st to 5th of October 2015. I was able to experience firsthand the Learn & Share programs which the athletes will take part in whilst exchanging with Young Ambassadors of other countries, professional sports athletes and staff from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Aside from this, I took part in lectures regarding the significance of the Youth Olympics and the connection between sports and the world. The Young Ambassadors were able to attain a wealth of knowledge regarding the Youth Olympics and Learn & Share.

At the main event, I wish to fully support the growth of the young athletes who will shoulder the world of Japanese sports in the future. Please show your support for the Japanese team.