Hellenic Olympic Committee launches youth support program

The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) has unanimously approved the creation of the ‘Youth Development Team – Brisbane 2032’, a pioneering support program for emerging athletes aged 14 to 18. Proposed by Dimosthenis Gyrousis, President of the HOC Olympic Preparation Committee, the initiative is modeled after the strategy used for the Los Angeles 2028 Pre-Olympic Team.

Scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027, the program will initially run for two years with the possibility of a two-year extension. The primary objective is the early identification of talented athletes to prepare them for future national Olympic and Pre-Olympic delegations. Selection will be based on objective, quantitative athletic data, specifically focusing on international distinctions achieved within the last year.

The comprehensive support framework includes financial assistance through the ‘Adopt an Athlete’ program involving sponsors, full medical and diagnostic coverage via specialized centers, provision of necessary sports equipment, and support for the athletes' academic progress.