Today marks one month until the Opening Ceremony of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025, being held from 9-16 February 2025.
Bakuriani 2025 will place Georgia firmly at the heart of winter sports as it hosts 2,000 of the most talented European athletes aged 14 to 18.
Held across eight days, the Winter EYOF will bring together young athletes from across Europe, providing them with a first experience of a multi-sport event and the opportunity to embrace the Olympic values.
The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Kids Ski Arena in Bakuriani on 9 February, featuring a parade of the athletes and the lighting of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Cauldron with the Flame of Peace.
The Flame of Peace was lit by Georgian athletes Anastasia Mirianashvili and Nikoloz Egadze, and the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee President Mamuka Khabareli at a spectacular ceremony in Rome last month.
There are eight sports on the programme at Bakuriani 2025, with events taking place across three different cities in Georgia.
Bakuriani will host biathlon, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding and Alpine skiing. Ice hockey will be held at the Leader Arena in Tbilisi, while figure skating and short track speed skating will be held in Batumi.
Georgia previously hosted a successful Summer EYOF in Tbilisi in 2015, but this year marks the first Winter edition held in the country.
The Four Hills Tournamentis a prestigious ski jumping competition held annually since 1952. It consists of four events taking place on ski jumping hills located in Germany and Austria: Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, and Bischofshofen.
The initial idea to organise this tournament arose in the summer of 1949 at the “Maler” house in Partenkirchen, Germany. The tournament takes place during the holiday season, starting in late December and concluding in early January. Each venue hosts two days of events, with a qualifying day followed by the final. The most prominent event is the New Year’s Day ski jumping contest, held on January 1st in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, attracting a vast international audience.
JonathanJonathan Graebert GER competing in the Nordic Combined Men’s Individual Normal Hill/6km, Ski Jumping Trial Round at the Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, South Korea, Monday 29 January 2024. Photo: OIS/Thomas Lovelock. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC
Throughout its history, the tournament has seen numerous champions. Finnish jumper Janne Ahonen holds the record for the most wins, with five victories. The trophy awarded to the winner is a golden eagle, weighing nearly 20 kilograms and with a wingspan of half a meter. This trophy has been awarded since 2012.
The 2024/2025 Four Hills Tournament is currently underway, with two of the four events completed. Stefan Kraft (AUT) finished first in the first event held in Oberstdorf (GER). And Daniel Tschofenig’s (AUT) victory in Garmisch-Partenkirchen propelled him to the top of the overall standings, continuing Austria’s strong performance in the tournament.
The tournament now moves to Austria for the final two events: Innsbruck on January 4 and Bischofshofen on January 6.
The Two Nights Tour is a women´s ski jumping competition held annually in Germany as a smaller counterpart to the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. Introduced in the 2023/2024 season, it consists of two consecutive night events under floodlights, creating a unique and exciting nighttime atmosphere for both competitors and spectators. While exact founding dates vary depending on recent changes, it was designed to bring a fresh perspective to ski jumping events with a focus on night-time excitement and shorter duration.
The Two Nights Tour for the 2024/2025 season concluded with Slovenian ski jumper Nika Prevc successfully defending her title by securing victories in both events.
A sublime performance in Bakuriani (Georgia) last Friday, 20th December, earned Benjamin Cavet 84.08 points to top the podium in the Men’s Moguls competition, securing his first medal of the weekend and his first World Cup win in four years – but not the last. The Frenchman also claimed second place the next day in the Men’s Dual Moguls competition. For Cavet, Bakuriani will undoubtedly be a cherished memory of the 2024–2025 season.
Ten years earlier, 2014 was a standout year for a young Ben Cavet. He won a gold medal in Dual Moguls and a silver medal in Moguls at the FIS Junior World Championships. That same year, he participated in his first Winter Olympics, Sochi 2014, where he finished in eighth place. He also competed in PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022.
Photo: FIS FREESTYLE SKI
In 2016, Cavet stood on the podium three times and finished third overall in the FIS World Cup series. The 2016–17 season was his most successful yet; he achieved six podium finishes in World Cup Moguls and finished second overall. Cavet was Vice World Champion in both 2017 and 2021.
However, since the FIS World Cup in Idre Fjäll (Sweden) in 2020, victory had eluded him – until now. Cavet is a veteran and one of the most experienced mogulists still competing. His hard work and dedication paid off in Bakuriani, and he will be one to watch for the rest of the season, including the qualification rounds for Milano-Cortina 2026.
The World Cup season will now take a short break over the holidays. The circuit will resume in the new year with the Moguls World Cup in Waterville on 24th–25th January 2025.
The Mercati di Traiano served as the magnificent setting for the Flame of Peace lighting ceremony of the 17th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). The event was hosted by Massimiliano Rosolino, an Italian Olympic swimming champion and gold medallist at the second edition of the Summer EYOF in the Netherlands in 1993.
The ceremony was officially opened by Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, who delivered an inspiring speech. This was followed by heartfelt words from Carlo Mornati, Secretary General of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitol Assembly of the City of Rome, Flavio Siniscalchi, Head of the Sports Department – Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Leri Khabelov, President of the Georgian National Olympic Committee, Mamuka Khabareli, President of the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee, and Shalva Gogoladze, Minister of Sport of Georgia.
To conclude the ceremony, Spyros Capralos presented an olive tree to Leri Khabelov as a symbol of peace and harmony. The olive tree, regarded as sacred by Dea Pax, the goddess of peace, has been a symbol of victory since ancient times when Olympic athletes were crowned with olive wreaths. Finally, both Presidents, accompanied by two Georgian athletes, lit the Flame of the Torch.
With the flame now lit, the journey of the Torch to Bakuriani has begun, carrying with it the spirit of the Olympic Movement. The countdown is on — with just 50 days to go until the start of EYOF Bakuriani 2025!
The official website for the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025 has been launched, offering a comprehensive resource for fans, athletes, coaches and media. The website is now live and accessible here.
The Winter EYOF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) dedicated to athletes aged 14 to 18. It serves as a platform for Europe’s best young sports talents to compete and showcase their skills on an international stage. The 2025 edition will take place from February 9 to 16, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held in Bakuriani, Georgia.
Bakuriani, known for its picturesque landscapes and world-class winter sports facilities, is set to provide a stunning backdrop for the Festival as participating young athletes compete in eight sports.
The newly-launched Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 website will enhance the event by providing an interactive and user-friendly experience. It offers a wealth of information, including detailed event schedules, the latest news updates, venue details, participant profiles and a rich collection of multimedia content.
Key Features of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Website
News and updates: Latest news, announcements and stories from Bakuriani.
Venue information: Maps and details of all event locations.
Participant information: Profiles and information about the athletes.
Multimedia content: Photo galleries and videos showcasing preparation and highlights.
Event schedule: Detailed information on all competitions and activities (available soon).
The Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 promises to be an exciting event, celebrating the sporting achievements of Europe’s young athletes. The official website will be instrumental in connecting audiences to the spirit and excitement of the Festival. For more information, please visit the official Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 website here.
The official mascot of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025 is GUNDA, a Caucasusian Lynx. The species is native to the majestic Caucasus Mountains where the Festival will be held, while GUNDA, means “snowball” in Georgian. The mascot symbolises the spirit of the EYOF and embodies the qualities of strength, determination and precision – traits that young athletes rely on to achieve their best performances. Described by the Organising Committee as having a remarkable ability to glide gracefully through the snow, GUNDA’s piercing gaze and agile movements are set to inspire the young athletes competing in the Winter EYOF.
Introducing GUNDA: The Mascot of Bakuriani 2025
Mr Mamuka Khabareli, Chair of the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Local Organising Committee, expressed his delight at the unveiling event, stating: “Our mascot GUNDA will be one of the symbols of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival Bakuriani 2025. We are thrilled to introduce her to Europe with less than a year to go before the event. The excitement among the guests, especially the schoolchildren, was palpable during the unveiling.”
On 9 February 2025, all eyes will be on the picturesque resort of Bakuriani, Georgia, as the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) heads to the country for the first time.
As we mark the ‘One Year to Go’ milestone, we look ahead with excitement to Bakuriani 2025, which promises to be a thrilling celebration of athleticism and camaraderie, where Europe’s best young winter athletes compete against each other in the spirit of Olympism.
What is the Winter EYOF and what is its significance in European sport?
The Winter EYOF provides a unique platform for Europe’s best young winter athletes, aged 14 to 18, to compete in an international multi-sport event alongside peers from across the continent. From Alpine skiing and snowboarding to figure skating and more, the EYOF features a diverse range of disciplines and provides athletes with their first opportunity to compete in an event of this kind. The EYOFs have been the launchpad for the careers of many international stars who have gone on to compete and win medals at the Olympic Winter Games.
However, the EYOF isn’t only about medals and victories, it is about ensuring Olympic Values and the spirit of Olympism is passed on to the next generation of European athletes. The Winter EYOF not only nurtures emerging talent but also fosters a sense of unity and sportsmanship among the competitors, who leave having learned about other cultures, and with new friendships and lasting memories. As these young athletes begin their careers, the EYOF serves as a stepping stone, propelling them towards future success on the international stage.
From Friuli-Venezia Giulia (2023) to Gangwon (2024) and beyond
The Winter EYOFs provide a stepping stone to other prestigious events and already in 2024 we have seen that in action. At the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, European athletes who made their international multi-sport debuts at the 2023 Winter EYOF in Friuli-Venezia Giulia were among the medallists. Many of those young stars are now hoping to represent their countries at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, clearly marking the opportunities to progress from EYOFs to the global Olympic stage.
Simultaneously, a new wave of aspiring athletes is gearing up for the 2025 Winter EYOF in Bakuriani. This emphasises the vital role the EYOFs play in shaping the trajectory of athletes’ careers and shows that they are not just a competition, but a pivotal link connecting the aspirations of young athletes to the grandeur of the Olympic Games.
Kona Ettel (GER) in action during the Snowboard Women’s Snowboard Halfpipe at the Hoengseong Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, Republic of Korea, Thursday 1 February 2024. ANOC/Wander Roberto. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC.
Georgia prepares to welcome Europe’s best young athletes again!
Georgia’s ability to stage international multi-sport events was highlighted during its successful hosting of the Summer EYOF in 2015 in its capital Tbilisi. Now the country is ready to shine again. Tbilisi 2015 was a resounding success, characterised by outstanding organisation, spirited competition and a vibrant celebration of youth and sports. It showcased Georgia’s warm hospitality, cultural richness and organisational excellence, leaving a lasting impression on athletes, officials and spectators.
Now, as the clock ticks down to the grand opening of Bakuriani 2025, the excitement is once again rising. Organisers are driven to surpass the achievements of 2015 and enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators. They will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions, cuisine and hospitality of Georgia and to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that make up the European sporting community.
Athletes from Germany cheer during the Closing Ceremony at the Gangneung Olympic Park. The Winter Youth Olympic Games, Gangwon, Republic of Korea, Thursday 1 February 2024. Photo: OIS/Joel Marklund. Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC
Stay Connected and Join the Excitement!
As we gear up for Bakuriani 2025, make sure you are staying connected through our social media channels and website. Follow us for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, athlete profiles and the latest updates leading up to and during the event. The countdown has officially begun, and there is so much to look forward to. Join us on this thrilling journey as we get Ready to Shine at the Winter EYOF in Bakuriani, Georgia!
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