At this year’s EYOF,  spotlights will be upon the young Slovenian national team, which will be the largest since the first time Slovenia participated at the Festival. Young athletes will be competing for medals in all 11 sports at the EYOF – artistic gymnastics, athletics, road cycling, mountain biking, handball, judo, swimming, tennis, volleyball, skateboarding and 3×3 basketball.

Maribor will be engulfed in Slovenian colours before the official opening ceremony, when all of the athletes and the staff will be introduced to the Slovenian public for the first time. The introduction event is scheduled to take place at Trg svobode in Maribor on Friday, July 21st 2023 at 8 PM.

The venue will be illuminated and wrapped into Olympic Spirit, the introduction itself will be moderated by an experienced announcer Saša Jerković and young ambassador Petja Klojčnik. They will be joined on the stage with a few interesting guests from sports. Furthermore, for the musical part of the event, Tim Kores – Kori, a well known radio announcer and singer, will step in the spotlight. He will be joined by a mysterious athlete in a purple jersey from the world of football, who has been bringing joy to the fans for years.

There will be another guest – beloved Foksi the Fox, our olympic and official mascot of EYOF will be spreading Olympic spirit among the spectators. After the official part of the ceremony, young athletes and the spectators will enjoy live music, delivered by DJ Lexy Dee, who will provide a great fun and an unforgettable experience to close this lively, summer, Olympic-themed evening in the heart of Maribor.