EYOF Bakuriani 2025: The Flame of Peace is Alive

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!

Athletes, get ready to shine!