Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take centre stage when the National Olympic Academy of Barbados (NOAB) hosts the 2025 National Session for Young Participants (NSYP), from Friday, August 29, 2025, to Sunday, August 31, 2025.
The NYSP, now in its fifth year, is a dynamic and interactive residential forum designed to engage young people in discussions on critical issues in sport. NSYP 2025 aims to provide a platform for young persons actively involved in sport to discuss relevant issues, introduce them to Olympism and its ideals, increase their knowledge of Olympic topics, and develop their leadership capacity. The session also serves to identify potential candidates for the annual International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors (YOA) in Greece.
Under the theme “The Olympic Movement and AI: Opportunities and Challenges,” NSYP 2025 will feature a keynote address on “The athlete’s role in fostering unity.” Topics to be covered in the sessions over the three days, include Arousing the spirit of Olympism; Sport and AI; Fan Engagement and Virtual Experiences; Optimising Olympic Game Management and Sustainability with AI; AI in Athlete Training and Injury Prevention; Gender Identity and Safeguarding; Ethics of AI in Sport; Making room for the paralympic athlete in modern society; AI Enhanced Anti-Doping Measures and AI, its role in Decision Making and Sports Commentary
The programme will include guest presentations, panel discussions, tours, creative displays, and physical activities, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience for all participants.
Criteria for Selection for NSYP:
- Candidates must be between the ages of 20 and 30 years.
- Candidates must be active in sport (athlete, coach, volunteer, etc.).
- Candidates must be passionate about sport with a desire to contribute to the development of sport in their community and the country.
- Candidates must commit to volunteering with the National Olympic Academy upon completion of NSYP.
- Individuals who have previously attended an International Session for YOA or an NSYP are not eligible to apply.
Selection will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with 30-40 candidates chosen to participate in NSYP 2025. Successful applicants will be required to remain on-site for the duration of the weekend to cultivate an immersive and collaborative environment.
Application Documents:
Interested applicants are required to submit the following:
- Motivational letter (1 page) or short video (3 – 5 minutes) detailing their involvement in sport, interest in attending NSYP 2025, and, if applicable, their interest in attending a YOA Session. Applicants must clearly state if they are applying for NSYP only OR both NSYP and YOA.
- Curriculum vitae
- Passport size photograph
- Copy of ID card
- Letter from the applicant’s National Federation verifying their involvement in the sport and supporting their participation in NSYP 2025.
Applications should be sent to The Director, National Olympic Academy, at janelle.denny@olympic.org.bb and copied to info@olympic.org.bb.
The deadline for submission of ALL documents is Friday, July 25, 2025.
For those interested in being selected for a YOA Session, please note that a maximum of six participants will be shortlisted and required to attend an interview before NSYP 2025. Each will deliver a presentation at NSYP 2025 on a topic related to the session’s theme. A maximum of two participants (1 male and/or 1 female) will be selected and recommended for a subsequent YOA Session.
The NOAB and the Barbados Olympic Association Inc. encourage all eligible members of National Federations to apply here for this life-changing experience.