Last night, more than 5,000 people filled the "Ljudski vrt" stadium in Maribor to welcome 2,419 young athletes from 48 European countries, who will compete for 827 medals during the next six days of competition at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). This 17th edition of EYOF, featuring competitions in 11 sports, represents the largest multisport event ever held in Slovenia. The unique event, designed for the best European male and female athletes aged 14 to 18, was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar. In his address, the President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Spyros Capralos, described this EYOF as part of the legacy of the former President of the EOC and the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, Janez Kocijančič. "Thanks to Janez, the Festival is here in Maribor. We dedicate this EYOF to him, a great leader in European and Slovenian sports." During the Opening Ceremony, the flag of Montenegro was carried by athlete Anabela Mujović and handball player Filip Božović. Montenegrin representatives will compete in 3 sports – athletics, judo, and handball. The first appearance of our team is scheduled for today at 14:30 when young Montenegrin handball players will compete against their peers from Hungary. Anabela Mujović and Matija Vojvodić will compete in long jump and young sprinter in the 110-meter hurdles. In the judo tournament, Montenegro will be represented by Stefan Kovinić (+90kg) and Pavle Bulatović (-90kg).
