The European Olympic Committees (EOC) is accepting candidatures for the 9^th Winter Piotr Nurowski “Best Young European Athlete” Prize.

The EOC officially opened the call for submissions by National Olympic Committees (NOCs) on 12 February. All NOCs are encouraged to submit their country’s nominee to the EOC by the deadline of Monday 11 March 2024.

The awards ceremony will take place at a Gala Dinner on 6 June during the EOC General Assembly in Bucharest, Romania from 6-7 June 2024. This prestigious prize will see the winner taking home a €15,000 training scholarship, the second and third place €8,000 and €5,000 respectively, whilst the fourth and fifth will each receive €3,000.

The Prize was created in 2011, to remember and honour former President of the Polish Olympic Committee Piotr Nurowski, using his example and his memory to encourage young athletes to pursue a career in elite sport and inspire future generations to adopt a healthy lifestyle based on the Olympic ideals and principles.

Successful candidates must be up-and-coming athletes aged 18 and under who, over recent years, have demonstrated outstanding sporting achievements, embodied Olympic culture and values, and showcased exceptional behaviour, action and/or conduct on and off the field of play.

Last year’s winter prize went to Nela Lopusanova from Slovakia. The award was in recognition of a hugely successful 2023-2024 season, which saw her win player of the tournament for her outstanding performances for Slovakia’s silver medal-winning ice hockey team at the Winter EYOF Friuli Venezia Giulia 2023. Nela then went on to be named the Most Valuable Player in the U18 World Championships after becoming top scorer with nine goals and twelve points. Despite being just 15 years old, Nela was already playing in the top level of women’s ice hockey in Slovakia.

For more information on the Piotr Nurowski Prize and former recipients click here.