The EYOF BAKURIANI 2025 will be held in Georgia:[1] Bakuriani, Tbilisi, Batumi from 9 to 16 February 2025. This will be Georgia's first time as host of the winter festival, and the second time hosting the festival after the summer edition in 2015 in Tbilisi.
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| Host city | Borjomi-Bakuriani, Tbilisi, Batumi - Georgia |
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| Country |  Georgia |
| Motto | Ready To Shine |
| Sports |
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| Opening | 9 February 2025 |
| Closing | 16 February 2025 |
| Website | www |
| Summer | |
| Winter | |
History
editThe European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) is the largest sporting event organised for European youth, continuing a 33 year tradition. The EYOF was first launched in Brussels, Belgium, in 1991, and two years later, winter sports were added with the first winter edition held in Aosta, Italy, in 1993. The festival will be held from February 9–16, 2025, with girls' ice hockey competitions starting earlier, on February 6.
EYOF Bakuriani 2025
editThis is the first time that Georgia will host the European Winter Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF Bakuriani 2025). Georgia was officially awarded the host status in 2020 during the 49th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees. The festival will be held in three cities - Bakuriani, Batumi and Tbilisi from 9 to 16 February 2025, with the girls' hockey competitions starting on 6 February.
Host Cities
editThree Georgian cities will host the EYOF Bakuriani 2025:
Bakuriaini
editBakuriani will host most of the festival’s competitions, totalling 5 sports. It has a long tie to competitions, serving for many years as a winter sports’ training centre for Soviet athletes preparing themselves for major competitions including the Winter Olympic Games.
Today, Bakuriani stands as a world-class mountain and ski centre, offering the perfect environment for Winter Olympic athletes and amateur skiers alike during the colder months. Bakuriani offers 23 ski routes catering to everyone, from professionals to beginners. Additionally, there are numerous alpine ski tracks along with ski lifts and fully equipped infrastructure.Bakuriani will host most of the festival’s competitions, totalling 5 sports: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard.
Tbilisi
editTbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia. Tbilisi is a colourful and soulful place where modern architecture blends with antique monuments and sights, to bring centuries-old traditions to life. It is also famous for its friendly people with great hospitality skills.
It also has a very rich sports history with diverse sport achievements in many sports and athletes that have brought recognition to Tbilisi and contributed to its vibrant sports culture. During EYOF 2025 Ice Hockey will be played in Tbilisi, having both girls’ and boys’ tournaments, in a new ice hall, which will give a new base for future generations of ice hockey players.
Batumi
editBatumi is the second-largest city of Georgia and is another exceptional place on the Black Sea coas. As such, the city is famous for its ancient international port, unique architecture, and European squares with incredible sculptures. Batumi is a popular tourist destination for both business and leisure, offering a diverse range of fun leisure and adventure activities. Batumi will host Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating in a new ice hall, which will replace the old ice rink and bring skating sports closer to the residents with the possibility to host national and international events.
Sport Disciplines and Participants
editDuring the festival, 3 host cities – Bakuriani, Batumi and Tbilisi will host competitions for over 900 athletes and 700 officials from 46 European countries, on 5 Competition venues for 8 winter sports:
| 2025 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival Sports Programme |
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The event promotes the Olympic values of friendship, fair play, and tolerance, while fostering European integration by bringing together young athletes aged 14–18 from across the continent.
Venues
edit| Venue | Location | Sports |
|---|---|---|
| Bakuriani Biathlon-Cross Country Stadium | Bakuriani | Biathlon |
| Cross-country skiing | ||
| Didveli | Freestyle Skiing | |
| Alpine skiing | ||
| Snowboard | ||
| Batumi Ice Arena | Batumi | Figure skating |
| Shorttrack speed skating | ||
| Tbilisi Ice Arena | Tbilisi | Ice hockey |
Festival Aims
edit- The EYOF promotes sport and physical activity and inspires young people to take up sport
- Following the Olympic principles, it fosters the spirit of friendship, fair play and tolerance
- The event enables youth from 50 European countries to meet, thereby fostering European integration.
- The EYOF is a great opportunity for hundreds of young volunteers to gain experience organising a big event, develop their working skills and meet people from other European countries.
The European Youth Olympic Festival aims to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and the development of future Olympic champions. By participating in the EYOF, young athletes gain invaluable experience and knowledge that will prepare them for future Olympic competitions. The event not only focuses on sports but also emphasizes the importance of social development, cultural exchange, and team-building among youth.
Logo
editA fusion of old Georgian “Asomtavruli” alphabet and Georgian traditional ornaments is chosen as the visual style for the EYOF Bakuriani 2025, as the unique nature of Georgian traditional visuals surely brings exceptionality to the EYOF Bakuriani 2025. In their essence our patterns combine dynamism and flexibility, linking brand visuals and the Olympic spirit.
Since the EYOF provides the perfect opportunity for young athletes to demonstrate their abilities, the philosophy of the brand is based on self-expression, dynamism, and the discovery of novel paths forward. The journey of young athletes is perfectly depicted by the fusion of traditional ornaments with the linear outlines of Georgian alphabet. Using these visuals in communication makes our philosophy clear and easy to understand for everyone including the athletes and their fans.
Mascot
editGunda: The Official Mascot
We are introducing Gunda, the EYOF 2025 Bakuriani mascot! The name ‘Gunda’ means ‘snowball’ in Georgian, perfectly capturing the Caucasus Mountains’ snowy essence.
Gunda, the majestic caucasian lynx., calls these high mountains home. Here, the air is crisp, and the snow is deep. Coincidentally, this year, the EYOF is happening right in his neighborhood.
Its remarkable ability to glide gracefully through the snow and its piercing gaze symbolize the very qualities that young Olympians rely on strength, determination, and precision. Those are the characteristics that Young Olympians rely on. Gunda is here to inspire and remind them that they can conquer their snowy challenges just like him. But there’s more to Gunda than meets the eye. Its name is also tied to the snowball game, a team activity that promotes unity and friendship among youth from various countries and cultures.
Gunda embodies the spirit of youth and unity. Just like a snowball made from the purest snow, our team wants everyone to remember that, in the world of sports, the most important thing is to remember to have fun and enjoy the adventure alongside your fellow athletes.
References
edit- ^ "Borjomi and Bakuriani to Host European Youth Olympic Festival 2025". 27 November 2020.