INNSBRUCK January 23, 2012 - IOC President Jacques Rogge dubbed the first Winter Youth Olympic Games "refreshing" and has claimed they could help strengthen the fight against doping in sport.As at the first Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore, organisers laid on a cultural and education programme for the Athletes who were encouraged to take part in events including practical sessions on Alpine safety.

Fair play gives sport the character of beauty.

'Fair play is an essential part of sport' says Dr Alois Hechenberger, professor of sports games at the University of Innsbruck and developer of various team building activities.

Lindsey Vonn is one of the Youth Olympic Games Ambassadors whose task is to share her valuable experience with and encourage the young athletes participating at the inaugural Winter Youth Olympics. Lindsey has won three consecutive overall World Cup and downhill championships (2008, 2009, 2010) and won the gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. She is very enthusiastic about her mission and supports the up-and-coming young ski stars wholeheartedly.

Yoggl is the official mascot of the Innsbruck 2012 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games. He is a chamois which lives in the steep and rocky mountains surrounding Innsbruck. His name is a short form for Jakob, 'Joggl', which is very common in Tyrol. Additionally, Yoggl is the compound of this nickname and the acronym of the Youth Olympic Games, YOG.