WINTER EYOF – SARAJEVO & EAST SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 2019
10 – 15 February, 2019.
Sarajevo & East Sarajevo 2019 IN NUMBERS
1537
ATHLETES
8
DISCIPLINES
46
NATIONS
6
DAYS
32
MEDAL EVENTS
STORIES
Germany dominated the boys’ biathlon competition. Hans Koellner seized victory in the boys’ 12.5 km race, crossing the finish line with a remarkable time of 42 minutes and 47.3 seconds, and his compatriot, Benjamin Erik Menz, followed closely behind, securing second place.
Great Britain’s curling captain Hamish Gallacher led his team to glory in the mixed curling tournament. Gallacher’s exceptional skill and leadership on the ice propelled his team to victory, culminating in a gold medal triumph and igniting celebrations among fans in Sarajevo and Istočno Sarajevo.
The Czech U17 national ice hockey team captivated audiences in the final against Belarus. After falling behind, the Czechs stepped up their game to score three goals in the final celebrated on Valentine’s Day. The final surely filled the hearts of the estimated 5,000 spectators who were on the edge of their seats for the whole match. Belarus claimed their second consecutive silver medal and Finland finished third.
The 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) held across Sarajevo and East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, witnessed the participation of around 1,500 athletes from 46 nations competing in 8 sports disciplines. This edition celebrated the spirit of unity and reconciliation, marking the 35th anniversary of the Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo in 1984.
Innovations in the 2019 EYOF centred around legacy and sustainability. Organisers repurposed and renovated existing facilities from the 1984 Winter Olympics, emphasising sustainability and cost-effectiveness by utilising infrastructure with historical significance. This approach set an example for future events, promoting the reuse of sports venues to reduce environmental impact.
Moreover, the 2019 EYOF placed a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and education. Through various educational programs and workshops, young athletes received guidance not only in sports but also in areas such as sports ethics, leadership, and personal development, aiming to shape well-rounded individuals beyond their athletic pursuits.