The EOC Coordination Commission (CoCom) for the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2023 held its first site-visit to the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia on 11-12 October 2021.
Chaired by Slovenian Borut Kolaric, the CoCom was able to learn from the Organisers the progress with preparations of the event, while also visiting the main accommodation and sport venues in Forni Avoltri (biathlon), Sappada (cross-country skiing), Pontebba (short track and figure skating), Tarvisio (alpine skiing and nordic combined) and Planica in Slovenia (ski jumping).
“The EYOF in Friuli Venezia Giulia in 2023 will be an event beyond borders, as competitions will not only take place in Italy, but also in neighbouring Slovenia and Austria,” said Kolaric.
“We were really impressed by the work the Organisers are doing along with the local community. Friendship, innovation and sustainability will combine with sport to create a unique celebration that will leave a remarkable legacy to the youth, the region and the future of European sport.”
In their report, the EYOF Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) 2023 Organising Committee President Maurizio Dunnhofer and General Director Giorgio Kaidisch highlighted the sustainable strategy of the event, saying that all sport venues will use pre-existing facilities that will only be refurbished and modernised. While food for the athletes and participants will come totally from local sources, in order to benefit the regional enterprises and at the same time limit the carbon footprint.
The Organising Committee has also signed an MoU with the Milano-Cortina 2026 Foundation with the aim of connecting the youth multi-sport event to the Winter Olympic Games, which will be held 3 years later.
From 21 to 28 January 2023, the EYOF FVG 2023 will see the best European athletes aged 14-18 competing in 12 sports: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross country, curling, figure skating, freestyle, ice hockey, nordic combined, short track, ski jumping, ski mountaineering, snowboard.
