Valmiera, Latvia – After a six-year hiatus, the Latvia Youth Olympic Games (LJO) are set to return this summer and athletes from Jelgava are gearing up to compete. The games, a significant event for young athletes across Latvia, will take place from June 18-20, 2026, with Valmiera serving as the central hub, but competitions will also be held in surrounding regions. This year’s edition holds added importance as a qualifying event for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in 2027, held in Italy.
Approximately 140 athletes from Jelgava are expected to participate, representing a diverse range of sports including boxing, 3×3 basketball, BMX, rugby 7s, judo, football, rowing and canoeing, athletics, swimming, table tennis, badminton, freestyle wrestling, artistic gymnastics, and shooting. “It’s great that Jelgava will be widely represented in the team sports competitions of the Latvia Youth Olympic Games – a boys’ and girls’ team will participate in 3×3 basketball, a boys’ football team, and rugby teams – both boys’ and girls’,” said Agija Poļanska, sports event organizer at the Sports Service Center, according to local reports.
The return of the LJO is a boost for the Latvian sporting system, aiming to foster active lifestyles and identify emerging talent. The games aren’t just about competition; they’re designed to motivate young people and build a sustainable future for sports throughout the country. The Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK) is organizing the event with financial support from the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM), in collaboration with the Valmiera region municipality and sports federations.
While the city of Jelgava is sending a strong contingent, there’s been a change in the sports program compared to the last Youth Olympic Games held in 2019. Rowing, a sport where Jelgava has historically been competitive, will not be included this year. Despite this, the city is fully supporting its athletes, providing unified parade uniforms, transportation, accommodation, and meals, with a budget of €38,000 allocated by the Sports Service Center for these logistical needs.
The competition won’t be confined to Valmiera. Several sports will locate their venues elsewhere in the region. Table tennis and shooting will take place in Rencēni, while rowing and canoeing events are scheduled for Limbaži. Rugby matches will be held in Brenguļi, and artistic gymnastics competitions are set for June 16th and 17th. This decentralized approach aims to showcase the wider region and engage more communities in the Olympic spirit.
Athletes aged 15 to 17 are eligible to participate in the Latvia Youth Olympic Games. Age group divisions within each sport will be determined based on the specific rules and regulations of each discipline and international standards, as outlined in the official competition guidelines. This ensures fair competition and allows athletes to compete against peers of similar development levels.
The LJO’s significance extends beyond national borders. For some athletes, the games represent a crucial stepping stone towards international competition, specifically the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in 2027. The EYOF, a multi-sport event for young athletes, provides a platform for showcasing talent on a European stage. The Latvia Youth Olympic Games will serve as a key qualifying event for those aspiring to represent Latvia at the EYOF in Italy.
Jelgava previously hosted the Latvia Youth Olympic Games in 2019, marking a successful event for the city and its athletes. The 2026 edition represents a continuation of that legacy, with a renewed focus on developing young sporting talent and promoting a healthy lifestyle across Latvia. The games are expected to draw significant attention and inspire a new generation of athletes.
As the games approach, the focus will be on final preparations, athlete training, and logistical arrangements. The city of Jelgava is committed to providing its athletes with the support they need to perform at their best and represent the region with pride. The Latvia Youth Olympic Games promise to be a celebration of youth, sport, and national pride.
The Latvia Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to begin on June 18, 2026, in Valmiera. Maintain an eye on the Latvian Olympic Committee’s official website ([https://www.olimpiade.lv/en/](https://www.olimpiade.lv/en/)) for the latest updates, schedules, and results.
