Applications are now open for the 2026 IOC Young Reporters Programme, which will take place during the highly anticipated Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) , the first Olympic event ever held on African soil.
Organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through its Media Operations, the Young Reporters Programme is a prestigious, fully funded training opportunity for aspiring sports journalists aged 21 to 25. This immersive program is designed to develop the next generation of international sports media professionals by offering real-world experience and expert-led training in a live Olympic Games environment. First launched at the inaugural YOG in Singapore in 2010, the programme has since become a cornerstone initiative in the IOC’s commitment to media excellence and youth development.
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The IOC Young Reporters Programme is a long-standing initiative by the International Olympic Committee aimed at developing the next generation of sports journalists. It was first introduced at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore in 2010 and since then it has been a successful feature of each YOG edition. The programme is run by IOC Media Operations
For each edition the IOC Young Reporters Programme selects young professionals (aged 18 to 24 years old) from around the world and provides them with hands-on training and mentorship and equips them with the skills needed to cover major sporting events, including the Olympic Games. During the YOG all participants receive intensive training in sports journalism, including writing, photography, broadcasting and social media. The participants are mentored by leading professionals in the sports media industry. The course programme looks at what makes a good human interest story, how to produce news stories under tight deadlines, when to look for background detail and why accuracy and fairness remain the cornerstones of reporting.
Programme Highlights & Logistics
All travel and logistics are covered by the IOC. This includes:
- Return economy airfare
- Full accommodation (twin-share)
- All meals and local transportation
- Complete training and mentorship from professional sports journalists, editors, and broadcasters
- IOC-provided uniform and press credentials
- Access to Olympic venues, athletes, and official media zones
- Real-time experience producing content across writing, photography, video, and social media
The training covers:
- Writing human-interest and feature stories
- Working to tight deadlines
- News accuracy and verification
- Photography and videography basics
- Broadcasting and interview techniques
- Olympic values and ethical journalism
Name of Organizer
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Requirements/ Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the IOC Young Reporters Programme – Dakar 2026 Edition, you must:
1. Be between 21 and 25 years old at the time of the program
2. Be proficient in English
3. Be a student or young professional in one of the following fields:
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- Journalism
- Photography
- Media/Broadcasting
4. Demonstrate a strong interest in sports journalism and storytelling
Applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply. Selection is highly competitive, with only 16 spots available worldwide.
Deadline
30th November,2025.
Apply Now
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