Buenos Aires 2018

Buenos Aires 2018 was the third edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games. The slogan of the Games, “Feel the Future,” embodied the desire of the more than 4,000 competing athletes to become an example of passion, conviviality and bonding in diversity. Buenos Aires 2018 aimed to be a source of inspiration to create a better world through sports.

For the first time in Olympic history, the number of female and male athletes was the same (2,000 women and 2,000 men). #Pandi, the gender fluid mascot (neither female nor male) welcomed the public who had free access to four parks. Over one million spectators enjoyed a fusion of elite sport competition, music, culture and arts festivals, sport initiation, showcases and educational programs. And 250,000 children participated in sports initiations. 

Additionally, technological innovations allowed the Opening Ceremony to be more inclusive, and it took place at the Obelisk in the heart of Buenos Aires, instead of a traditional stadium. The idea was to utilise urban places where people naturally gather. In keeping with YOG tradition, Buenos Aires 2018 welcomed new sports as well as new disciplines on the programme. Breaking, karate, roller speed and sport climbing all made their Olympic debuts, while BMX freestyle, kiteboarding, beach handball, futsal and acrobatic gymnastics were featured for the first time. Over the 11 days of competition, 241 medal events were held across 32 sports.