The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) refers to a multi-sport event specifically designed for young athletes from Europe. The EYOF is organized under the auspices of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and takes place biennially, usually during the summer or winter depending on the specific sports included.
The EYOF aims to provide a platform for European athletes aged between 14 and 18, known as youths, to compete at an international level and experience the spirit of the Olympic Games. The event allows young athletes to showcase their skills, foster cultural exchanges, and promote friendship and understanding across European nations.
The festival features a wide range of Olympic sports, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, basketball, skiing, and many more. Each edition of the EYOF is hosted by a different European city, selected through a bidding process. The festival typically lasts for around a week, during which thousands of athletes from various European countries gather and compete in their respective disciplines.
The EYOF not only emphasizes the promotion of elite sports but also strives to instill important values such as fair play, respect, and solidarity among the participating young athletes. The festival serves as a stepping stone for many promising European talents to gain experience and progress towards competing in larger international events, such as the Olympic Games.
