Brazilian athletes named ambassadors for 2026 Youth Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has selected three Brazilian athletes—skater Rayssa Leal, gymnast Arthur Zanetti, and karateka Douglas Brose—to serve as ambassadors for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Leal will act as a global ambassador, while Zanetti will serve as a ‘Believe in Sport’ ambassador focused on sports integrity and combating manipulation.

Separately, Marco La Porta, president of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB), has called for the preservation of the Ministry of Sport ahead of upcoming general elections. Speaking at the COB Expo 2026, La Porta urged voters to support candidates committed to sports and emphasized that an autonomous ministry is essential for the sector's impact on education, health, and public security.