The European Olympic Committees Coordination is pleased with the progress made in preparations for EYOF 2023 Maribor

The European Olympic Coordination Commission is pleased with the progress made in preparations for EYOF 2023.

The European Olympic Coordination Commission visited Maribor because Slovenia will host the Olympic Festival of European Youth the following year (EYOF). With 3,600 participants from 48 European countries, it is the largest sports event for young athletes, and athletes will compete for the first time in as many as eleven disciplines.

The coordination commission of the European Olympic Committees visited the organizers in the last week of October, and after a thorough inspection of all venues and accommodation facilities, praised the organizing team’s preparations and work thus far.

Renovated sports facilities

The European Olympic Coordination Commission last visited the organizers of EYOF 2023 in April. According to the coordination commission’s president, Guro Lium, a significant shift has occurred in the last six months. 

“Progress is clearly visible, particularly in the renovation of sports facilities, where many renovation works have already been completed or are in the final stages. We are thrilled that the Poljane Athletic Stadium will be renovated as well” she continues.

Maribor, a city with a big sporting heart, will host the event of exceptional national significance.

The EYOF event will be held in Maribor from July 23 to 29, next year. It has accelerated many urgent sports facility renovations. From the long-awaited renovation of the Poljane Athletics Stadium, which includes the construction of the tribune with associated spaces and its heated athletics track, to the Tabor Hall, Pristan, and the Branik Tennis Club, which includes the construction of a new covered hall and tribune as well as the renovation of the outdoor tennis courts.

Prenovljena dvorana Tabor v Mariboru

First encounter with Olympism

EYOF, which has been running for over 30 years, is the largest multi-disciplinary sports event for young athletes aged 14 to 18. It is their first encounter with Olympic competition and an opportunity to gain valuable experience for future competitions on the road to the Olympics
In addition, in the spirit of the Olympics, the festival encourages athletes and other participants to adhere to the principles of fair play, tolerance, and friendship. The coordination commission of the European Olympic Committees is convinced that Maribor, a city with a sporting heart, will successfully host EYOF 2023 at the end of the visit. They also believe that the entire country of Slovenia will recognize the significance of such a large event and the opportunities it brings.