Financial support to EYOF from the state and the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport
Today, during the visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob and the Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sports Mr. Matjaž Han, it became clear that the state supports and believes in the success of EYOF in Maribor. By signing the contract on the co-financing of the construction of the athletics warm-up track in Maribor, they confirmed their support and handed over the decision on the co-financing of the implementation and organization of the festival in the amount of more than 2.8 million euros out of 11 million euros.
The Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sports Matjaž Han and the Mayor of the Municipality of Maribor Saša Arsenovič in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia dr. Roberta Golob in Maribor ceremoniously signed a contract on co-financing the investment “Construction of an athletics warm-up track with reconstruction of the existing grandstand” in the amount of three million euros. Minister Han also handed over the decision of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to the Mayor of Maribor regarding the additional co-financing of the implementation and organization of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2023 in the amount of 2.825 million euros.
With this, the state allocated a total of almost nine million euros for the implementation of EYOF, namely more than six million euros for the co-financing of sports infrastructure and just under three million for the implementation and organization of the EYOF event itself.
Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob pointed out: “Maribor is one of the most sporting Slovenian cities in spirit and actions. That is why the government’s decision to support the EYOF organization was not difficult. Today, by handing over the decisions, we also confirmed this. I would like to thank everyone who participated, as it is a big matter for Maribor and Slovenia. The whole of Slovenia can be proud of the fact that EYOF will be in Maribor, as in the past it has repeatedly proven itself to be an excellent organizer of sports events at the highest level. I wish our sportsmen and women to achieve top results and at the same time forge friendships with other athletes from all over Europe. Congratulations on the work so far and positive forward!”
Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han emphasized: “At the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, we are aware of the significance of large sporting events for the promotion of Slovenia, its economy and tourism. That is why I am happy that together, with the support of the Prime Minister, we secured additional funds for the organization of EYOF. Because this is not just an ordinary sports event, it is an event that will attract young people to Slovenia, so that they will get to know its beauties, socialize and spread positive energy. I think this is an investment in the future.”
He also thanked the volunteers for their contribution to the promotion of our country and wished the organizers a successful event.
The Mayor of the Municipality of Maribor, Saša Arsenovič, said on this occasion: “On behalf of the Municipality of Maribor and as the President of the Organizing Committee of the European Youth Olympic Festival, I would like to thank you for recognizing the EYOF project as not only an important event for the city of Maribor, but an event of extraordinary importance of national importance. I believe that the festival will be remembered for many years to come and that Slovenia and the city of Maribor will be placed on the sports map of Europe during the festival. It’s not about a competitive spirit, but also about volunteering and networking, and at the same time beautiful experiences that the visitors of the festival will take away with them.”
