ENGSO Youth Committee member, Christina Buehler, shares her experience at the 66th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors

From 6 to 18 June 2026, ENGSO Youth Committee member, Christina Buehler, had the privilege of representing Liechtenstein at the 66th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors of the International Olympic Academy in Athens and Ancient Olympia. The session focused on the theme “Championing Inclusion, Integrity and Responsibility: Building a Safe and Fair Future for Every Athlete” and brought together young people from all over the world who share a passion for sport, Olympic values and positive change.

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During the session, they took part in lectures, workshops, working groups, cultural activities and many informal exchanges. The programme started in Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis Museum and the Opening Ceremony at the Hill of Pnyx, before we travelled to Ancient Olympia. Being in the birthplace of the Olympic Games made the experience even more meaningful and gave all discussions a special atmosphere.

 

The lectures covered topics that are highly relevant for today’s sport environment, such as integrity, manipulation and betting, mental health, athlete burnout, moral disengagement, safeguarding, Olympic education, diversity and inclusion, dual career support and mentorship. One message that stayed was that Olympic values are not just abstract ideals. Respect, excellence and friendship must be lived actively and translated into concrete actions in our clubs, organisations and communities.

 

One of Christina’s personal highlights was the exchange with other Young Olympic Ambassadors. Hearing different perspectives from athletes, coaches and young leaders from around the world showed how many challenges in sport are shared internationally, even if the local contexts are different. The participants also had the opportunity to share their own Olympic journey, from competing at the Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne 2020 to now returning to the Olympic Movement as a Young Olympic Ambassador. This felt like a very special full-circle moment, especially after the end of Christina’s active skiing career.

 

The working groups were another important part of the session. Together, they discussed how young ambassadors can help promote safe, fair and inclusive sport. One of  the strongest takeaways was that change starts with awareness, but it must not stop there. Young people in sport need education, safe spaces to speak up, role models, mentorship and structures that support both athletic and personal development.

 

This experience also created a meaningful connection to the role in the ENGSO Youth Committee. Many of the topics discussed at the IOA, such as safeguarding, mental health, dual career support, inclusion and youth participation, are highly relevant for the future of sport in Europe. The session encouraged our Committee member to reflect on how young people can contribute their perspectives, experiences and ideas to sport organisations. 

 

‘As a new member of ENGSO Youth, I hope to bring this inspiration with me and continue learning how we can support a more athlete-centred, safe and inclusive sport environment’, – shares Christina.

 

She returned from Ancient Olympia with new inspiration, valuable friendships and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a young ambassador in sport. The session reminded that sport has the power to connect, educate and inspire – but only if we take responsibility for creating environments where every athlete feels respected, protected and supported.

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