With just under 80 days to go until the start of the winter edition of the EYOF in Italy, representatives of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), the Italian Government, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the EYOF Friuli Venezia Giulia 2023 Organising Committee and the Municipality of Rome assembled on this special occasion to celebrate peace and harmony through sport. President of the EOC Spyros Capralos addressed the delegates, stating, “It is an honour to once again host this symbolic ceremony at the Ara Pacis here in Rome. This event is always special but today this historic venue bears even greater significance with next year’s EYOF being hosted in Italy, 30 years on from the first-ever Winter EYOF in the Aosta valley.” He went on to say “Following the success of Vuokatti 2022, I am sure we will once again see a display of immense talent and competition in Friuli Venezia Giulia.” Attending the ceremony were also EOC Vice President Daina Gudzinevičiūtė and Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi. Pagnozzi, who has been CONI Secretary General for 10 years, said: “Steeped in tradition, Italy has been a source of pride in European winter sport for many years. Our hosts next year will present a formidable challenge to the athletes from the 47 NOCs that will participate at the event.” The 16th edition of the winter EYOF will see 2,300 participants, including 1,300 athletes from 47 NOCs aged 14 to 18, competing across 14 sporting events. Approximately 1,300 volunteers will be present to ensure the competition runs smoothly, while athletes will gather in Friuli Venezia Giulia to compete in what is sure to be a memorable event from 21-28 January 2023.
