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ABOUT

Proudly organised by the European Olympic Committees (EOC), the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) stands as a beacon of tradition and excellence for young athletes across Europe. With a rich heritage spanning over almost 35 years, the EYOF represents the inaugural top-tier multi-sport event tailored specifically for athletes aged 14 to 18. This sports festival celebrates both winter and summer editions, held biennially, showcasing the continent’s expanding talent and fostering a spirit of camaraderie and competition.

The EYOF embodies the essence of Olympic values, from the symbolic lighting of the flame to the solemn pledges undertaken by athletes and officials alike. It serves as a pivotal platform where Europe’s future sporting talents take their first strides onto the international stage. Beyond the pursuit of medals and sporting triumph, every participant departs the competition with cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

Attracting approximately 3,600 participants and their mentors at the summer Festivals and around 1,600 attendees during the winter editions, the EYOF transcends mere competition to symbolically unite the continent’s youth within a single Athletes’ Village. It serves as a gateway to the Olympic Games, with numerous EYOF medallists later ascending to podiums at the pinnacle of global sport.

MISSION AND VISION

The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) stands as the preeminent multi-sport event for the youth of Europe. The mission of the EYOF is twofold: to educate and inspire the next generation of athletes while fostering a culture of wellness and sporting excellence. Through a dynamic blend of sporting competition, cultural exchange, and educational initiatives, the EYOF seeks to instil in young minds the timeless values of respect, friendship, and fair play that lie at the heart of the Olympic Movement. By providing a stage for up-and-coming athletes from all European countries to showcase their talents, the aim is to nurture a spirit of camaraderie and understanding that transcends national borders.

Our vision is to empower youth to embrace sport not only as a means of athletic achievement but also as a pathway to personal growth and societal cohesion. By equipping young athletes with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field of play, the aim is to aspire to create a legacy of health, happiness, and harmony that will endure for generations to come.

QUICK FACTS!

3600
SUMMER EYOF
ATHLETES
AND OFFICIALS
ALL
SUMMER EYOF
EUROPEAN NATIONAL
OLYMPIC COMMITTEES
10000
SUMMER EYOF
ACCREDITED
PARTICIPANTS
1600
WINTER EYOF
ATHLETES
AND OFFICIALS
46
WINTER EYOF
EUROPEAN NATIONAL
OLYMPIC COMMITTEES
4500
WINTER EYOF
ACCREDITED
PARTICIPANTS
GOVERNANCE
The EYOFs are owned, organised and regulated by the European Olympic Committees. The Festivals are held under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. Local organising committees lead the delivery of the EYOF, in partnership with the host city and national Olympic committee.

A dedicated commission within the European Olympic Committees is responsible for managing the EOC’s work on delivering EYOFs.

The EYOF is regulated by the EOC Articles of Association, as well as the regulations contained in the EYOF Charter and other EYOF rules and regulations. These govern, among other things, the duration of the Festival, bidding procedure, election of the host city and the general organisation of the EYOF.