ISF Gymnasiade
Rio de Janeiro 2026
3 – 8 December 2026 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Event Programme
* Please note, that the provisional program is subject to change. Any relevant changes will be communicated in the Bulletin 2.
About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world.
Surrounded by mountains, beaches, forests and the Atlantic Ocean, the city combines natural beauty, cultural diversity, hospitality and a unique passion for sport.
Internationally recognized for hosting major global events, Rio de Janeiro offers an environment where sport, youth, culture and emotion come together in an extraordinary way. For participants of the ISF U18 Gymnasiade 2026, Rio will be much more than a host city — it will be a stage for dreams, achievement, friendship, cultural exchange and unforgettable experiences.
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is one of the world’s most famous monuments and a global symbol of peace, welcome and unity among nations. Located atop Corcovado Mountain, the monument overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro and reflects values closely connected to the spirit of international school sport: friendship, respect, inclusion and cultural integration. For the young athletes of the Gymnasiade, visiting Christ the Redeemer will be an inspiring and unforgettable experience.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is one of Brazil’s most breathtaking landmarks. Its famous cable car ride offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, beaches and Guanabara Bay. The site conveys a sense of adventure, excitement and freedom, perfectly reflecting the energy of youth and sport. It is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most visited attractions and provides an unforgettable visual experience for visitors from around the world.
ISF Gymnasiade
The 2026 edition foresees the sporting event taking place over six official days, with a competition program comprising ten sports: Athletics, Para-athletics, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Beach Volleyball, Wrestling, Chess, and two exclusively virtual sports: Virtual Cycling and Virtual Rowing, which will be held remotely. It is estimated to accommodate 2,300 participants from approximately 45 countries, and the Organizing Committee is expected to consist of 200 people.
Rio de Janeiro presents itself as one of the most complete and inspiring destinations in the world for hosting major international sporting events, combining excellent infrastructure, a consolidated legacy, and an unparalleled vocation for sport. Host of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, stage for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the ISF U15 Gymnasiade 2023, the city has consolidated a robust legacy of multifunctional sports complexes that house world-class arenas, ready to host high-performance competitions such as the ISF U18 Gymnasiade 2026.
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