VALMIERA, Latvia – From June 18-20, Valmiera will transform into Latvia’s youth sports capital, hosting the Latvian Youth X Olympic Games, an event returning after a six-year hiatus. Organizers have officially closed registration for both municipal teams and individual athletes, confirming a robust number of participants and broad representation from across Latvia.
The Latvian Youth X Olympic Games will feature 41 Latvian municipal teams from seven state cities and 34 districts, totaling 3,601 athletes. The scale of participation underscores a renewed commitment to youth sports development within the country.
Latvian Olympic Committee President Raimonds Lazdiņš emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Such a strong response from municipalities and young people – more than three and a half thousand participants – is a clear demonstration that the Latvian Youth Olympic Games are a significantly essential event in our country’s young athletes’ calendar. The Olympics are not just a sporting goal, but a strong platform where young talents gain their first Olympic experience and strengthen their sense of belonging to their district and country. We are proud that municipalities actively support their young athletes, because This represents where the path to friendship, respect, and excellence in sport begins.”
Competition will be held across 28 different sports. Jānis Daliņš Stadium will serve as a central hub in Valmiera, hosting athletics events (with over 450 athletes expected), 3×3 basketball (nearly 170 participants), and weightlifting. The Valmiera Olympic Center will host handball and volleyball, while other sports facilities throughout the area will also be utilized. Beyond Valmiera itself, competitions will extend into neighboring areas; sailing and equestrian events will take place in Burtnieki, while floorball and table tennis will be held in Kocēni.
The build-up to the Games includes a symbolic torch relay. On May 4th, the Latvian Youth Olympic Games flame was lit in Ventspils – the city that hosted the inaugural Latvian Youth Olympic Games – and began a journey across all of Latvia’s municipalities. This relay will culminate on June 18th in Valmiera with the opening ceremony at Jānis Daliņš Stadium, where the main Olympic flame will be ignited.
Alongside the sporting competitions, a Sports and Health Forum will be held on June 19th and 20th at the Dīvaliņu Meadows in Valmiera. This forum aims to address important topics in sports through panel discussions, conversations with athletes, and practical workshops. The forum will also feature educational sessions for parents, inspirational talks with athletes about mental health and the path to success, and discussions on the importance of sport for national security, among other relevant topics. Both days of the forum will conclude with concerts for Olympic participants, guests, and residents of the Valmiera region.
Key Events and Locations:
- June 18th: Competitions begin in various sports throughout the day; 7:00 PM – Solemn parade of Latvian Youth X Olympic Games participants in Valmiera; 8:00 PM – Official opening ceremony of the Olympics at Jānis Daliņš Stadium, Valmiera; 9:30 PM-11:00 PM – Entertainment event at Dīvaliņu Meadows.
- June 19th: Full day of competition; Award ceremonies at Dīvaliņu Meadows in Valmiera; First day of the Sports and Health Forum; 8:00 PM – Evening concert at Dīvaliņu Meadows, Valmiera.
- June 20th: Final day of competition; Award ceremonies at Dīvaliņu Meadows, Valmiera; Second day of the Sports and Health Forum; Closing ceremony of the Latvian Youth X Olympic Games; Evening event at Dīvaliņu Meadows, Valmiera.
Lazdiņš further expressed satisfaction with the high level of readiness and interest from municipalities, stating, “The large number of participants confirms that youth sport in Latvia is alive and in demand. We are also grateful to all municipalities, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the federations of all 28 sports for their willingness to cooperate in organizing the Olympics, ensuring a high-quality and high-level competition.” He added that investment in youth sports is an investment in a healthy and strong society, and a secure Latvia.
The return of the Latvian Youth Olympic Games represents a significant moment for the country’s young athletes, providing a platform for competition, development, and the fostering of a lifelong passion for sport. The event is designed to be more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to build community, promote healthy lifestyles, and inspire the next generation of Latvian athletes.
More information can be found here.
The Latvian Youth X Olympic Games are scheduled to conclude on June 20th with a closing ceremony and evening event at Dīvaliņu Meadows. Following the Games, athletes will return to their respective clubs and communities, carrying with them the experience and inspiration gained from this significant event. The Latvian Olympic Committee will then begin planning for future youth development initiatives, building on the momentum generated by the successful return of the Games.
