IOC Young Leaders Booth Enhances the Excitement of the Paris Olympics

Since 1987, Panasonic has been a steadfast supporter of the Olympic Games. Through the message “Sharing the Passion” we aim to deliver new excitement and energy to people worldwide. The IOC Young Leaders Programme, created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Panasonic in 2016, supports the next generation of leaders looking to make positive contributions to society and the planet.

This initiative empowers young people to leverage their sports experiences to address social issues on a global scale. During the Olympic Games Paris 2024, held from late July to early August, Panasonic set up the Panasonic x IOC Young Leader Booth at Champions Park to host activities including talk sessions with eight Young Leaders and event athletes to let them share their passion for the event and Panasonic’s initiatives, games and a dance contest, photography and social media related endeavours, and the screening of special videos.

In this article, we shine a spotlight on three exceptional IOC Young Leaders planning to make an appearance at the booth: Mayssa Bsaibes from Lebanon, Nicolò Di Tullio from Italy, and Joseph Owino from Kenya. Each athlete brings a unique vision and dedication to leveraging sports as a powerful tool for social change through special projects that fuel their passion for a better future.

Mayssa Bsaibes, an architect and former Lebanese table tennis champion, shifted her career to focus on sports and gender equality in Lebanese sports. Her project, Kee-PING Hope, aims to support Lebanese children affected by economic and political instability by building sustainable table tennis tables and organizing training sessions in orphanages. 

“Growing up in a sporty household, sports have always been a significant part of my life,” Mayssa explains. “I saw the IOC Young Leader program as an opportunity to fulfill my dream and combine my passion for table tennis with my architectural skills to create something meaningful for the Lebanese community.” Through her initiative, Mayssa hopes to inspire others to use sports for social change and promote sustainability through her innovative project. “Our mission is to bring hope, joy, and development opportunities to children through table tennis,” she says.

Nicolò Di Tullio, a water and nautical sports athlete from Italy, is dedicated to promoting sustainability in sports and education. His project, GotTo, involves athletes collecting environmental data during their sports activities to support scientific research on climate change. “I’ve been motivated by the international context of the program,” he says. “The opportunity to connect and collaborate with young leaders from across the globe is truly inspiring.” 

By engaging athletes as citizen scientists, GotTo fosters environmental awareness within the sporting world while providing crucial data for scientific progress. “Through my project, I’m tackling climate change and ensuring quality education,” he explains. “It’s a win-win for both education and the fight against climate change.” Nicolò aims to demonstrate the power of collaboration and shared learning in creating a better future through sports and science.

Joseph Owino, a Para-Taekwondo athlete from Kenya, champions disability inclusion through his #InclusionAgenda campaign. His project focuses on establishing annual inter-university para sports competitions and talent development programs for students with disabilities in Kenyan universities. “I connect with the program’s ideal of using sports-oriented project ideas linked with SDGs and aimed at community development,” Joseph says. 

Joseph is motivated by the potential of sports to foster inclusion and create opportunities for students with disabilities. “Through the IOC Young Leader Booth during the Paris Olympics, I aim to deliver a passion for inclusion, awareness, and advocacy, and transformative change,” he says. He seeks to deliver a message of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of sports during the Paris Olympics, inspiring others to build a more inclusive and equitable world.

In a rapidly evolving world, the next generation holds the key to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. From innovative solutions to sustainable practices, Joseph Owino, Mayssa Bsaibes and Nicolò Di Tullio believe the potential to create positive change lies within each of us, and encourage youth to harness their passions and make a lasting impact.

“You have all it takes to make the world a better place,” says Joseph. “If you believe it, you can be it.” His words emphasize the power of self-belief and the endless possibilities that come with it.

“Believe in the power of your dreams and the impact you can make in the world,” Mayssa advises. “Embrace your passions and use them as tools for positive change. Stay committed to sustainability and equality, and always seek innovative solutions to the challenges you encounter.” Her message highlights the importance of pursuing dreams, sustainability, and equality in driving meaningful change.

“Embrace your passions and let them guide you towards creating art that moves people, solutions that mend broken systems, or innovations that push boundaries,” says Nicolò. “Your unique contributions will enrich your community and build a stronger, more vibrant world.” He encourages embracing one’s passions to create impactful art, solutions, and innovations that can transform communities.

Together, these messages underscore the importance of belief, passion, and innovation in building a better world. The next generation is poised to lead with these values, creating a future filled with promise and possibility.

Through their diverse initiatives and unwavering dedication, these IOC Young Leaders exemplify the spirit of using sports to create a better future. Panasonic is proud to support their efforts and share their stories, inspiring the next generation to embrace their passions and make a positive impact on the world.

Panasonic is the Official Worldwide Olympic & Paralympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category.