Research Project during Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer

The second Winter Youth Olympic Games take place in Lillehammer (Norway) from 12 – 21 February 2016. The International Olympic Committee has introduced the concept of the Youth Olympic Games in 2010 but little research has been conducted. This is despite the fact that the twofold aim of “sport and education” are of special interest to the field of Olympic Studies. Hence, the Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) of the GSU runs a research project during the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, analyzing the educational programme “Learn & Share” and its perception amongst the participants. Within this framework, a research team will conduct interviews with participating athletes and the organisers of the “Learn & Share” programme.  

The OSC is looking for three students, who would like to participate in the realization of the project and experience the Youth Olympic Games. Besides the interviews, which will most likely take place on four days, the students will have the opportunity to attend the sporting events in Lillehammer, Hamar, Hunderfossen and Hatfjell as well as the official ceremonies. The stay will also include a visit to the Olympic Museum in Lillehammer.

The project addresses students, who are already in their fourth semester and can write a thesis on the Youth Olympic Games until spring 2017 the latest. Data for own studies can be collected in Lillehammer.

Participants have to pay the flight and travel costs (around 200,- per person) to/from Lillehammer (exact dates upon consultation) and costs of food. The OSC of the GSU pays for the accommodation of all students during the entire stay (currently planned for six nights). Selected participants are required to take part in preliminary meetings at the GSU (upon consultation).

Jörg Krieger (Institute for Sport History / OSC) leads the project team; three students can participate at the project. Applications have to be submitted until latest 10 November 2015 and have to include a CV and a letter of motivation, including first ideas for a thesis project. Please send your application to Jörg Krieger directly: j.krieger@­dshs-koeln.de. Perfect English language skills are an essential requirement, additional foreign language skills an asset.

For questions, please contact Jörg Krieger.