Youngsters from across the globe are invited to enter the contest to create the mascot, which the Organising Committee says will be the symbol for the Games - the motto for which is "By Young People, For Young People" - worldwide.

Lillehammer 2016 said the mascot must be an animal that inspires the idea of sport, youth and joy, evokes Lillehammer winter sports, respects the Youth Olympics vision, and symbolises the Games, Lillehammer and Norwegian youth.

"Being an event by, for and with young people there were never doubt in our minds that this prestigious design task should be put into the hands of young people," Magne Vikøren, Lillehammer 2016's head of communications and marketing, said.

"We can't wait to see the entries flood in from all over the world."

The winner will also receive a Samsung smartphone.

Entrants must be aged between 15 and 25 years old and entries must be submitted by March 31.

Following the closing date, a jury will shortlist three candidates to be submitted to a vote on Facebook.

Enter the competition on Facebook here. 

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