Nosko: Make yourself at home here

Banská Bystrica´s dream came true. On the eve of the opening of the 16th summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), the president of the organising committee and at the same time its mayor, Ján Nosko, did not hide his joy that the desired day had arrived. At the same time, he admitted that the past period of preparation was more demanding than a classic marathon. “If I can use an analogy from athletics, then we have marathon with obstacles behind us, which must be run in a reduced time. It was a huge challenge and responsibility for us. However, thanks to a strong team with a lot of energy, we managed it. These people go to the verge of their power and just don´t give up,” said Nosko, who was pleased that the technical delegates had no objections and that 13 scenes for 10 sports are ready. “Make yourself at home here everyone!” he gave message to thousands of EYOF 2022 participants.

“Banská Bystrica is the smallest town that organises such a large multi-sport event. It is small but beautiful with warm and hospitable people. The festival is very important for young athletes, as many future stars and Olympic medalists start here,” stated at the opening press conference at the Banská Bystrica Town Hall the President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Spyros Capralos, who also revealed that for the first time more girls than boys will perform at the EYOF, and that a refugee team will also make its debut at the EYOF in Banská Bystrica, represented by a young athlete from Syria preparing in Austria.

The head of the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee (SOSC) Anton Siekel also praised the organisers of the event with a budget of 12 million euros (excluding investments in infrastructure): “It wasn´t easy, but they did a good job. Through EYOF, we can not only present the beauties of Slovakia, but also show that we know how to organise such a large and important event, which also brings a great opportunity for the future career of athletes. I firmly believe that the participants will have unforgettable memories,” Siekel noted.

The town under Urpín is already alive with the upcoming EYOF this weekend. “The city is full of athletes and officials. I can say that the sports grounds are prepared for athletes and spectators. 800 organizers and 1.100 volunteers will participate in the organisation and smooth running of the festival. Everyone concentrates on their tasks,” informed executive director of the organising committee Peter Hamaj, according to whom the most challenging part of the EYOF preparation was to assemble a team of the right people.

“Despite the difficult period accompanied by various problems – the COVID-19 pandemic, the suspension of investments or the war in Ukraine and other financial problems resulting from it, the team of organisers around Peter Hamaj made it through,” the head of the EOC coordination commission Joseph Cassar highlighted the work done.

The ambassador of the event, Danka Barteková, visited the Slovak athletes on Sunday. “One could see great expectations for the upcoming start of the event, which will be a big milestone in their careers. They will learn a lot not only in terms of achieving a better performance level, but also gain new friendships. I envy them that they can compete in such an event at homeland. However, I am proud and honored that I can also be an ambassador in the company of Matej Tóth and Anastasiya Kuzmina,” declared Olympic bronze medalist in skeet shooting and member of the International Olympic Committee Danka Barteková, who with a smile on her face appreciated that even the representatives of the EOC learned to pronounce the name of the EYOF 2022 scene fluently during the previous period.