The ‘Baku 2019’ logo has been unveiled and officially kicked off the countdown to the 15^th Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan on 21-27 July 2019.

The Azerbaijani capital, which hosted also the inaugural European Games, will welcome the best young athletes of Europe aged 14 to 18, competing in accordance with the Olympic spirit in 10 different sports (Artistic gymnastics, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Handball, Judo, Swimming, Tennis, Wrestling, Volleyball).

The ‘Baku 2019’ EYOF logo design offers a modern, dynamic, flexible brand identity that fosters the spirit of friendship, fair play and tolerance. The brand identity reflects the heritage and culture of Baku (‘fire’ and ‘buta’ which is the ancient Azeri paisley pattern), as well as some of Baku’s most iconic modern architecture (“Flame Towers” and “Heydar Aliyev Center”), all intertwined with the concepts of union and friendship through sport – the true spirit of the Olympic movement. The proposed dynamic emblem has been given a vibrant color palette to reflect the youthful energy of the participants and the diverse beauty of Baku.

“Apart from highlighting Azerbaijan culture, the logo also embodies the true spirit of the European Olympic movement and their quest for sporting excellence that inspires and excites the world. We very much look forward to welcoming the young athletes of Europe to Baku as we create yet another historic sporting event in Azerbaijan”, Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan and Deputy Chair of the ‘Baku 2019’ Organising Committee stated on the occasion of the one-year-to-go event.

The EYOF, taking place in two-year cycles with one summer and one winter edition, aims at inspiring young people to take up sport and represents also a great opportunity for hundreds of young volunteers to gain experience with organising a big event, develop their work skills and meet people from other European countries, thus enhancing European integration.