Banská Bystrica is the smallest host of EYOF. Members of EOC have no doubts about the success

Head members of European Olympic Committees say praises about the host of EYOF.

“Banská Bystrica is always in my heart,” the president of the European Olympic Committees Spyros Capralos said during the opening press conference before the beginning of the European Youth Olympic Festival.

“We are sure the games will be a big success. Everything is working out smoothly,” Capralos added.

The president of EOC emphasized, that Slovakia will become the fifth country to host both winter and summer EYOF.

“It is a great achievement and a sign of the commitment of the country to provide the opportunity for next generations to stand out in the sport and lead an active and healthy life,” he praised organizers and thanked the entire preparation team.

2252 sportsmen and women from 48 countries will participate in the sports festival. Slovakia sent the largest team with 210 members, including 149 athletes.

Capralosa is excited that Europe is coming back to the center of attention. Former Greek water polo player pointed to the fact, that the next two Olympic games will be in France and Italy.

Hosts managed to prepare a prestigious event

“When we were here last year, most of Banská Bystrica was closed. It was difficult” said Joseph Cassar, who is the head of the coordinating committee of the European Olympic Committees.

“Despite that, later today we will open another edition of EYOF, thanks to the determination and sacrifice of the president of the organization committee Ján Nosko, who realized the importance of holding this event to restore Banská Bystrica and thanks to his hard-working organization committee together with the support of the president of Slovak Olympic and Sports committee Anton Siekel and financial support of the Slovak government,” said Cassar with joy.

He added he is sure records will be broken here. For many of the young talents, it is the first sports event of this format.

Cassar pointed to the fact, that it is truly a large-scale event:

“The European Youth Olympic Festival is undoubtedly the most prestigious Olympic multisport event for the youth belonging to the events of European Olympic committees.”

Banská Bystrica has everything, the head of the coordinating committee puts it as an example

President of EOC Spyros Capralos said, that Banská Bystrica is the smallest city to host such a big event.

This is not an issue for the head of commission Joseph Cassar:

“It is not just not an issue, but it is probably a model for future organizers. A lot of times small cities would be afraid to organize big events, but this is showing Europe, that it can be done successfully.”

“I think this is my fourth visit to Banská Bystrica. I have seen a lot of progress, the city is beautiful. It is small, but you have everything. Especially the main square, but all the surrounding is really nice and very attractive. It offers tourists a lot,” said Cassara who likes the city of Banská Bystrica as an organizer.

EYOF will be historic, a refugee will be among competitors

The European Youth Olympic Festival in 2022 will be a historic event. Among competitors, there will be more girls than boys.

A Syrian refugee trained in Austria will compete in athletics.

Twenty-two ambassadors will be present to encourage and educate the young athletes. Caprialos sees education as equally important to sports achievement.

EYOF is the first step to professional careers for many stars. President of EOC said, that 44 gold medalists from the youth Olympic festival then won gold also at the Olympic games.