Dukla will provide its sports facilities at EYOF 2022


The local Dukla Military Sports Center, which will provide its sports facilities during this important event for young athletes, also wants to contribute to the successful organisation of the European Youth Olympic Festival 2022 in Banská Bystrica.

“Dukla has a beautiful new stadium and it would be a shame if it was not used for such an important event. So the main stand during EYOF will be right here at the SNP Stadium in Banská Bystrica, where athletics competitions will be held. Judo fights are scheduled in our sports hall. We also provide accommodation, medical and anti-doping center for the organisers. I think that the whole complex will be in the heart of EYOF and I am glad that we can contribute in this way, I believe that to a successful event,” said the director of VŠC Dukla Matej Tóth, who together with the director of the organising committee of EYOF 2022 Petr Hamaj signed a mutual cooperation agreement on Tuesday. “We are glad to be able to cooperate in the preparation and implementation of EYOF.

with such a strong organisation as Dukla Banská Bystrica. Cooperation with DUKLA is extremely important for us to ensure the quality of the event. It will help us a lot and contribute to the successful management of the youth festival. We are also fulfilling the promise of the Minister of Defense that the components of the ministry, which is also DUKLA BB, will co-operate as much as possible in securing and organising this important event not only for the region but also for the whole of Slovakia” said Executive Director Peter Hamaj. 

Dukla staff will also be actively involved in the multi-sport event for young people under the age of 18. “ We will definitely participate in the organisation with our employees. Some will be in charge of explicitly technical and executive functions within the sports facilities and infrastructure, others will be involved in the event as volunteers. In this way, most of our employees will be involved,” added Matej Tóth.

The XVI. EYOF summer edition will take place from 24 to 30 July 2022 in the city below Urpin and the Olympic winner in 50 km race walk from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2016 will act as ambassador for the event. “First of all, I look forward to every event that takes place in Slovakia and especially here in Banská Bystrica. I try to support every each one. When the organisers of EYOF 2022 approached me to become an ambassador in the framework of cooperation, this could not be refused. I perceive this as an honor, because EYOF is really the biggest event that has been taking place in Slovakia and Banská Bystrica for a long time. I want to be a part of it and contribute to the promotion of the event and be a great experience for the young people who come to compete,” said Matej Tóth, who has always advocated the promotion of youth sports. “This is an important topic for me. Something I took for granted even after winning Olympic gold. I said to myself that this cannot be the only success, but I want to pass on my experience. We have the largest youth event in Europe, which is the best motivation for athletes who perform in our country, but also for sports-loving youth. It is important that young people understand that sport is beautiful, it brings a lot of emotions – mostly positive and worth to give it a move. Although they may not grow into Olympians or Olympic winners, it will certainly help them in their personal development and, of course, in their health.,” added a great personality of Slovak sport.