Several other Members of the Storting (Norway’s parliament) are also attending the Winter Youth Olympic Games as guests and volunteers.

“It is a pleasure to participate at an event infused by new ideas. The programme includes a number of exciting events without neglecting the traditional elements. We can see that young people with different cultural backgrounds are eager to spend time with each other. This sort of encounter really has an effect on people,” said the Chair of the Standing Committee on Family and Cultural Affairs, Svein Harberg, who attended several events, including the new skiing competitions at Birkebeiner Ski Stadium.

Unanimous support

When the decision was made to host the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2016 in Lillehammer, the Storting was unanimous in its support, pointing out that the games exemplify the national sports-policy focus on children and young people. The Winter Youth Olympic Games support continued use of the sports facilities and rely largely on the efforts of volunteers. 1 100 athletes from 70 nations will meet at Lillehammer during the Winter Youth Olympic Games 11 to 21 February.

During the opening ceremony weekend, President of the Storting Olemic Thommessen has attended a range of events at Hamar, Lillehammer and Gjøvik.

“Important innovation”

Mr Thomessen spoke at the reception by Lillehammer 2016 and Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports on Friday 12 February. In his address, he emphasized that the strength of the Olympic movement lies is its role as an arena of shared values where different cultures meet in the spirit of competition.

Please click here to read the entire speech (in English).

“The Winter Youth Olympic Games are the most important innovation in the modern history of the Olympics. These games embody the very essence of the Olympic movement. Through learning, cultural understanding, participation and voluntary work the athletes become role models, not only in sports but for society at large,” Mr Thommessen stated.