Start now, Winter YOG commences in Olympic Capital of Lausanne

LAUSANNE - With a motto of "Start now", the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games kicked off in festive mood on Thursday in southwestern Swiss city of Lausanne, the Olympic Capital where the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and dozens of international sport organizations are based.

The Games will run through to January 22. A total of 1,872 athletes are involved in the 14-day competition featuring 81 events across eight sports.

The opening ceremony held in the Lausanne Vaudoise Arena, host of ice hockey competitions during the Games, laid out a story of an athlete's growth allowing audiences to follow the Olympic spirit on a fantastic journey. Athletes competing in St. Mortiz also joined the ceremony through live broadcast.