IOC Young Leaders | Panasonic Official Olympic Website “Sharing the Passion”

IGNITE THE PASSION Malaika Mihambo and Ryosuke Itomi The importance of sport as an agent of social impact and change Learn more

IGNITE THE PASSION Hannah Cockroft and Isaiah Kioiloglou How sport can drive inclusivity and positive social change Learn more

IGNITE THE PASSION Rebeca Andrage and Ouname Mhotsha Young athletes draw on personal experiences to create a better world

IGNITE THE PASSION Rebeca Andrage and Ouname Mhotsha Young athletes draw on personal experiences to create a better world Learn more

IOC Young Leaders Programme

The IOC Young Leaders Programme was created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Panasonic as a project to support the next generation of leaders. It empowers young people to leverage their sporting experience to make a positive difference in addressing social issues around the world. As people who have experienced highs and lows in their continued endeavors, these young people are uniquely positioned to help build a better tomorrow through sport.

As the programme's only founding partner worldwide, Panasonic will continue to support these Young Leaders as they tackle wide-ranging challenges.

IOC Young Leaders
Programme

As the programme's only founding partner worldwide, Panasonic will continue to support these Young Leaders as they tackle wide-ranging challenges.

The IOC Young Leaders Programme at a glance

Created by the IOC and Panasonic in 2016

25 applicants selected every 2 years

4 years of continuous support, provided through funding and opportunities

Participation by 119 Young Leaders in 76 countries worldwide to date*
* As of March 2024

Meet the IOC Young Leaders

Videos introducing Young Leaders, their motivations and their endeavors

Young Leaders' Stories

Discover how Young Leaders are seeking out and taking on social issues in their respective countries.

Feb 22, 2024
A Young Japanese Athletics Coach Committed to Developing a Social Business in the Pacific Island Nation of Vanuatu

Nov 29, 2023
A Young Leader Aspiring to Support People’s Mental Health Through the Power of Sport in his Native Philippines

Mar 08, 2023
A Kenyan Soccer Player Using Sport to Advance Gender Equality Throughout Society

Feb 20, 2023
An Olympian Race-walker from Australia Boosting Girls' and Women's Participation in Sport

Jan 11, 2023
A Former Short Track and Speed Skating Athlete Who Helped Create Korea’s First-ever Girls’ Ice Hockey Team

Dec 14, 2022
A Malaysian Sports Nutritionist Helping Athletes with Disabilities Develop Their Sporting Prowess

Internship at Panasonic

Each year, Panasonic offers one of the IOC Young Leaders an internship at its offices and manufacturing plants in Japan.

Alfonso Galvez from the Philippines – Panasonic Internship 2023

Paulina Fritz from Germany – Panasonic Internship 2020

Ignite the Passion

Interviews with Young Leaders and Team Panasonic athletes, and a podcast series in collaboration with Paralympian Amy Purdy

Malaika Mihambo and Ryosuke Itomi: The Importance of Sport as an Agent of Social Impact and Change

Hannah Cockroft & Isaiah Kioiloglou: How Sport Can Drive Inclusivity and Positive Social Change

Rebeca Andrade & Ouname Mhotsha: Young Athletes Draw On Personal Experiences to Create a Better World

Nathan Chen & Oluseyi Smith: How Sport Can Help Combat Climate Change

Katie Ledecky & Young Athletes: Empowering Young Leaders for Tomorrow

A Four-episode Podcast Series in Collaboration with Paralympian and Motivational Speaker Amy Purdy

Malaika Mihambo and Ryosuke Itomi: The Importance of Sport as an Agent of Social Impact and Change

Hannah Cockroft & Isaiah Kioiloglou: How Sport Can Drive Inclusivity and Positive Social Change

Rebeca Andrade & Ouname Mhotsha: Young Athletes Draw On Personal Experiences to Create a Better World

Nathan Chen & Oluseyi Smith: How Sport Can Help Combat Climate Change

Katie Ledecky & Young Athletes: Empowering Young Leaders for Tomorrow

A Four-episode Podcast Series in Collaboration with Paralympian and Motivational Speaker Amy Purdy

Click here to learn more about the IOC Young Leaders on the IOC website

If you believe it, you can be it.

Panasonic is a founding partner of the IOC Young Leaders Programme.

If you believe it,
you can be it.

Panasonic is a founding partner of
the IOC Young Leaders Programme.