IOC Young Reporters Programme 2026

Deadline: 30 November 2025Open to: Aspiring journalists aged 20–28 from National Olympic Committees across the worldBenefits: Fully funded training, on-site reporting at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, and mentoring by top international media professionals

Description

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Reporters Programme is a unique initiative that gives talented young journalists the opportunity to gain world-class media training while covering one of the most dynamic global sporting events. For Dakar 2026, the program will select aspiring reporters to participate in a two-year journey of workshops, mentorship, and hands-on experience. The highlight of the fellowship is the chance to attend the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, where participants will produce multimedia stories and sharpen their reporting skills under the guidance of leading international journalists and Olympic experts.

Eligibility

The program is open to young reporters aged 20 to 28 who are nominated by their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Candidates should have a background in journalism, communications, or media, either through academic study or professional experience. Strong proficiency in English or French is required, and applicants must demonstrate motivation to pursue a career in sports journalism, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Benefits

Selected participants will receive a fully funded fellowship that includes

Travel, accommodation, and meals for training sessions and the Youth Olympic Games

Mentorship and workshops led by world-renowned media experts

Access to IOC media platforms and global exposure of their work

Hands-on reporting experience during Dakar 2026 across print, broadcast, digital, and social media formats

This program not only enhances technical reporting skills but also helps build a professional network in international sports media.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the online Smartsheet form provided by the IOC. Interested candidates should prepare a CV, a personal motivation statement, and samples of journalistic work that highlight their experience and potential. The deadline for submission is 30 November 2025. As part of the process, applicants must also coordinate with their National Olympic Committees, as nominations are officially endorsed through NOCs.

For more information, visit the official website.

The program is open to young reporters aged 20 to 28 who are nominated by their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Candidates should have a background in journalism, communications, or media, either through academic study or professional experience. Strong proficiency in English or French is required, and applicants must demonstrate motivation to pursue a career in sports journalism, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Selected participants will receive a fully funded fellowship that includes

Travel, accommodation, and meals for training sessions and the Youth Olympic Games

Mentorship and workshops led by world-renowned media experts

Access to IOC media platforms and global exposure of their work

Hands-on reporting experience during Dakar 2026 across print, broadcast, digital, and social media formats This program not only enhances technical reporting skills but also helps build a professional network in international sports media.

Applications must be submitted through the online Smartsheet form provided by the IOC. Interested candidates should prepare a CV, a personal motivation statement, and samples of journalistic work that highlight their experience and potential. The deadline for submission is 30 November 2025. As part of the process, applicants must also coordinate with their National Olympic Committees, as nominations are officially endorsed through NOCs. For more information, visit the official website.