Skip to main content
Sport Europe
BAKURIANI 2025

Author: Pia Fullaondo

EUROFOOTBALL FEVER: PARIS 2024 UNVEIL WOMEN’S AND MEN’S FOOTBALL GROUPS

Written by Pia Fullaondo on . Posted in Olympic Movement. No Comments on EUROFOOTBALL FEVER: PARIS 2024 UNVEIL WOMEN’S AND MEN’S FOOTBALL GROUPS

The anticipation for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 is reaching a fever pitch as the groups for the women’s and men’s football competitions have been officially announced. European teams are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, competition, and the unyielding spirit of sport.

European Dominance Takes Centre Stage

In the women’s football tournament, Europe’s finest will be vying for glory across three fiercely contested groups. With powerhouses like France, Germany and Spain leading the charge, the stage is set for an electrifying display of skill and determination. The presence of European teams in each group underscores the continent’s dominance in women’s football and sets the scene for unforgettable clashes on the field.

Women’s Football Pools Unveiled

Group A sees hosts France facing off against formidable opponents Colombia, Canada and New Zealand, promising intense matchups from the get-go. Meanwhile, Group B features heavyweights USA and Germany, alongside Australia and a qualifier from Africa, setting the stage for an epic showdown. Group C promises no less excitement, with Spain, Japan, Brazil and a qualifier from Africa locking horns in a battle for supremacy.

Men’s Football: A European Showdown

The men’s football tournament offers equal excitement, with European teams poised to make their mark on the global stage. With star-studded lineups and fierce rivalries, every match promises to be a spectacle for football enthusiasts worldwide.

Men’s Football Pools Revealed

In Group A, hosts France will face stiff competition from the USA, New Zealand and the qualifier from the AFC-CAF playoff. Group B sees Argentina and Ukraine go head-to-head with Morocco and another qualifier from Africa, ensuring thrilling encounters from start to finish. Group C and D feature equally compelling matchups, with European powerhouses Spain among the teams battling it out for Olympic glory.

A Celebration of European Football

As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, the excitement surrounding the football competitions is palpable. With European teams poised to showcase their talent and determination on the world stage, fans can expect nothing short of an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling matches, unexpected twists and moments of pure sporting brilliance.

Stay Tuned for More Eurofootball Action

From the opening kick-off to the final whistle, SportEurope will be your ultimate destination for all the latest news, updates, and highlights from the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Don’t miss a moment of the action as Europe’s finest football teams compete for Olympic gold. Keep an eye out for more updates on European Olympic Committees initiatives and the latest happenings in European sport.

EOC REFUGEE TEAM ATHLETE CINDY NGAMBA SECURES A SPOT AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Written by Pia Fullaondo on . Posted in EOC, Olympic Movement. No Comments on EOC REFUGEE TEAM ATHLETE CINDY NGAMBA SECURES A SPOT AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Cindy Ngamba, who represented the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Refugee Team at the European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023, has made history by becoming the first Boxing Refugee Team member to qualify for the Olympic Games. 

Ngamba was one of three EOC Refugee Team members in Poland in 2023, where she carried the Team’s flag at the Opening Ceremony. She will now represent the International Olympic Committee Refugee Olympic Team at Paris 2024. The groundbreaking achievement unfolded at the Boxing Road to Paris 2024 First World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, where Ngamba secured her qualification by winning a gripping quarter-final fight. Ngamba’s victory is a testament to her unwavering commitment and skill, stopping the formidable Valentina Khalova of Kazakhstan to secure her place at the Paris 2024 Olympics.  

Ngamba now lives and trains in the United Kingdom, having been born in Cameroon. Her journey to the top has been marked by resilience and determination, serving as a beacon of hope for many young athletes. Ngamba’s story illustrates that perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements and reflects the transformative impact of sport on individual lives. 

At Kraków-Małopolska 2023, Ngamba competed in the 75kg category and left an indelible mark on the event. 

As the EOC celebrates this historic achievement, the spotlight remains on the Refugee Team’s incredible athletes, emphasising their inspiring journeys and the profound impact of their presence on the Olympic stage. 

EOC President Spyros Capralos said:

“It is truly inspiring to see Cindy Ngamba qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in boxing and make history in the process. The EOC is committed to giving opportunities to refugee athletes and focusing on the unique role that sport can play in driving social cohesion and bringing communities together. 

“We were honoured to host the first continental Refugee Team at the European Games last summer as a sign of our commitment and will all be supporting Cindy as she vies for glory in Paris this summer. We look forward to continuing our work with the Olympic Refuge Foundation and ensuring refugee athletes are represented at future editions of our events.” 

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: ONE YEAR TO GO UNTIL THE WINTER EYOF BAKURIANI 2025

Written by Pia Fullaondo on . Posted in Bakuriani 2025, EOC, EYOF. No Comments on THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: ONE YEAR TO GO UNTIL THE WINTER EYOF BAKURIANI 2025

On 9 February 2025, all eyes will be on the picturesque resort of Bakuriani, Georgia, as the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) heads to the country for the first time.

As we mark the ‘One Year to Go’ milestone, we look ahead with excitement to Bakuriani 2025, which promises to be a thrilling celebration of athleticism and camaraderie, where Europe’s best young winter athletes compete against each other in the spirit of Olympism.

What is the Winter EYOF and what is its significance in European sport?

The Winter EYOF provides a unique platform for Europe’s best young winter athletes, aged 14 to 18, to compete in an international multi-sport event alongside peers from across the continent. From Alpine skiing and snowboarding to figure skating and more, the EYOF features a diverse range of disciplines and provides athletes with their first opportunity to compete in an event of this kind. The EYOFs have been the launchpad for the careers of many international stars who have gone on to compete and win medals at the Olympic Winter Games.

However, the EYOF isn’t only about medals and victories, it is about ensuring Olympic Values and the spirit of Olympism is passed on to the next generation of European athletes. The Winter EYOF not only nurtures emerging talent but also fosters a sense of unity and sportsmanship among the competitors, who leave having learned about other cultures, and with new friendships and lasting memories. As these young athletes begin their careers, the EYOF serves as a stepping stone, propelling them towards future success on the international stage.

From Friuli-Venezia Giulia (2023) to Gangwon (2024) and beyond

The Winter EYOFs provide a stepping stone to other prestigious events and already in 2024 we have seen that in action. At the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, European athletes who made their international multi-sport debuts at the 2023 Winter EYOF in Friuli-Venezia Giulia were among the medallists. Many of those young stars are now hoping to represent their countries at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, clearly marking the opportunities to progress from EYOFs to the global Olympic stage.

Simultaneously, a new wave of aspiring athletes is gearing up for the 2025 Winter EYOF in Bakuriani. This emphasises the vital role the EYOFs play in shaping the trajectory of athletes’ careers and shows that they are not just a competition, but a pivotal link connecting the aspirations of young athletes to the grandeur of the Olympic Games.

Kona Ettel (GER) in action during the Snowboard Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe at the Hoengseong Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, Republic of Korea, Thursday 1 February 2024. ANOC/Wander Roberto. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC.

Georgia prepares to welcome Europe’s best young athletes again!

Georgia’s ability to stage international multi-sport events was highlighted during its successful hosting of the Summer EYOF in 2015 in its capital Tbilisi. Now the country is ready to shine again. Tbilisi 2015 was a resounding success, characterised by outstanding organisation, spirited competition and a vibrant celebration of youth and sports. It showcased Georgia’s warm hospitality, cultural richness and organisational excellence, leaving a lasting impression on athletes, officials and spectators.

Now, as the clock ticks down to the grand opening of Bakuriani 2025, the excitement is once again rising. Organisers are driven to surpass the achievements of 2015 and enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators. They will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, cuisine and hospitality of Georgia and to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that make up the European sporting community.

Athletes from Germany cheer during the Closing Ceremony at the Gangneung Olympic Park. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, Republic of Korea, Thursday 1 February 2024. Photo: OIS/Joel Marklund. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC

Stay Connected and Join the Excitement!

As we gear up for Bakuriani 2025, make sure you are staying connected through our social media channels and website. Follow us for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, athlete profiles and the latest updates leading up to and during the event. The countdown has officially begun, and there is so much to look forward to. Join us on this thrilling journey as we get Ready to Shine at the Winter EYOF in Bakuriani, Georgia!