The Mercati di Traiano served as the magnificent setting for the Flame of Peace lighting ceremony of the 17th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). The event was hosted by Massimiliano Rosolino, an Italian Olympic swimming champion and gold medallist at the second edition of the Summer EYOF in the Netherlands in 1993.
The ceremony was officially opened by Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, who delivered an inspiring speech. This was followed by heartfelt words from Carlo Mornati, Secretary General of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitol Assembly of the City of Rome, Flavio Siniscalchi, Head of the Sports Department – Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Leri Khabelov, President of the Georgian National Olympic Committee, Mamuka Khabareli, President of the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee, and Shalva Gogoladze, Minister of Sport of Georgia.
To conclude the ceremony, Spyros Capralos presented an olive tree to Leri Khabelov as a symbol of peace and harmony. The olive tree, regarded as sacred by Dea Pax, the goddess of peace, has been a symbol of victory since ancient times when Olympic athletes were crowned with olive wreaths. Finally, both Presidents, accompanied by two Georgian athletes, lit the Flame of the Torch.
With the flame now lit, the journey of the Torch to Bakuriani has begun, carrying with it the spirit of the Olympic Movement. The countdown is on — with just 50 days to go until the start of EYOF Bakuriani 2025!
The official website for the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025 has been launched, offering a comprehensive resource for fans, athletes, coaches and media. The website is now live and accessible here.
The Winter EYOF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) dedicated to athletes aged 14 to 18. It serves as a platform for Europe’s best young sports talents to compete and showcase their skills on an international stage. The 2025 edition will take place from February 9 to 16, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held in Bakuriani, Georgia.
Bakuriani, known for its picturesque landscapes and world-class winter sports facilities, is set to provide a stunning backdrop for the Festival as participating young athletes compete in eight sports.
The newly-launched Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 website will enhance the event by providing an interactive and user-friendly experience. It offers a wealth of information, including detailed event schedules, the latest news updates, venue details, participant profiles and a rich collection of multimedia content.
Key Features of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Website
News and updates: Latest news, announcements and stories from Bakuriani.
Venue information: Maps and details of all event locations.
Participant information: Profiles and information about the athletes.
Multimedia content: Photo galleries and videos showcasing preparation and highlights.
Event schedule: Detailed information on all competitions and activities (available soon).
The Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 promises to be an exciting event, celebrating the sporting achievements of Europe’s young athletes. The official website will be instrumental in connecting audiences to the spirit and excitement of the Festival. For more information, please visit the official Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 website here.
The official mascot of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025 is GUNDA, a Caucasusian Lynx. The species is native to the majestic Caucasus Mountains where the Festival will be held, while GUNDA, means “snowball” in Georgian. The mascot symbolises the spirit of the EYOF and embodies the qualities of strength, determination and precision – traits that young athletes rely on to achieve their best performances. Described by the Organising Committee as having a remarkable ability to glide gracefully through the snow, GUNDA’s piercing gaze and agile movements are set to inspire the young athletes competing in the Winter EYOF.
Introducing GUNDA: The Mascot of Bakuriani 2025
Mr Mamuka Khabareli, Chair of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Local Organising Committee, expressed his delight at the unveiling event, stating: “Our mascot GUNDA will be one of the symbols of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival Bakuriani 2025. We are thrilled to introduce her to Europe with less than a year to go before the event. The excitement among the guests, especially the schoolchildren, was palpable during the unveiling.”
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!
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