Start now, Winter YOG commences in Olympic Capital of Lausanne

In his speech, the IOC President Thomas Bach sent a message of "welcome home" to young participators.

"For more than one hundred years, Lausanne has been the home of the IOC," said the 66-year-old German. "Here you are in the heart of the Olympic Movement. Therefore, the experience of these Winter Youth Olympic Games will be a very special one."

"This is your time. This is your moment. Enjoy the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020," he added, before inviting one athlete from each of the five continents to join him on stage for a selfie.