European Youth Olympic Festival

European Youth Olympic Festival

The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) is a project carried out by the European Olympic Committee (EOC) for its member National Olympic Committees. These include 49 countries of the European continent whose representatives meet every two years at the summer (approximately 2,500 participants) and the winter festival (approximately 1,300 participants). "Starter games for future Olympians" - the Festival represents the greatest sporting event for young athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 who are gathering experience for future competition and are thus able to taste the spirit of Olympism, friendship and fair play.

 

The Festival has an opening and closing ceremony where young athletes show their colors, flags and wide smiles. The games of the Festival also have the Olympic fire and both athletes and judges take an oath. Winners of events are recognized by the playing of their respective national anthems and raising of their national flags.