The “Bakuriani 2025” Flame of Peace was brought to Tbilisi International Airport by the President of the Olympic Committee, Leri Khabelov, the Chairman of the Bakuriani 2025 Organizing Committee, Mamuka Khabareli, and the Minister of Sports and Youth, Shalva Gogoladze. The Flame of Peace was handed over to Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri.
The Flame of Peace of the European Youth Olympic Festival was lit during a symbolic ceremony in Rome, the capital of Italy.
The European Winter Youth Olympic Festival “Bakuriani 2025” will be held from February 9 to 16 and will feature competitions in eight sports disciplines, hosted by modern sports infrastructure built specifically for the festival in Bakuriani, Tbilisi, and Batumi.
This will be the first time that Georgia will host a Winter Olympic Festival, making it the eighth country in Europe to have hosted both the Summer and Winter European Youth Olympic Festivals.
During the festival, Georgia will welcome more than 2,000 guests and around 1,000 athletes who will compete in eight winter sports disciplines for the title of the best.
According to the event organizers, hosting “Bakuriani 2025” will play a significant role in the development of winter tourism and winter sports in the country.
The Flame of Peace for the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025 will be lit at a formal ceremony in Rome on Thursday December 19.
Serving as an important milestone ahead of the 17th staging of the Winter EYOF from February 9-16 2025, representatives from the European Olympic Committees (EOC), the wider Olympic Movement in Europe and the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee will gather at the historic Mercati di Traiano in Rome.
Drawing on Olympic traditions, the Flame of Peace symbolises the Olympic Movement’s core values of excellence, respect and friendship, and represents the power of sport to unite.
After being lit during the ceremony in Rome, the Flame will be transported to Georgia for a relay around the Winter EYOF host country. It will then be used to light the Winter EYOF 2025 Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in Bakuriani on February 9.
Bakuriani 2025 will be the 17th edition of the Winter EYOF and provide a first experience of a multi-sport event for Europe’s most talented young athletes from ages 14 to 18, with eight disciplines on the sports programme.
In addition, the European Youth Olympic Ambassador programme will run for the eighth time with interactive cultural activities promising to inspire participating athletes with the Olympic values and provide them with an unforgettable experience.
EOC President Spyros Capralos looked ahead to the Flame of Peace Lighting Ceremony.
President Capralos said: “We are very excited that in just one week from now we will be in Rome for the hugely symbolic Flame of Peace Lighting Ceremony for the Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025.
“This ceremony is always an emotive occasion as we approach the beginning of the event. Hosting it at the iconic Mercati di Traiano adds an extraordinary touch to this special moment.
“We are proud that the EYOF continues to provide opportunities for thousands of talented young athletes from across Europe to compete at an elite multi-sport event while embracing the Olympic values. “The countdown to Bakuriani 2025 willofficially begin with the Flame of Peace Lighting Ceremony, and we are confident of a spectacular Winter EYOF in February.”
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Organizing Committee of the Winter Youth Olympic Festival, Bakuriani 2025, aiming to involve students in volunteer activities during the Olympic Festival.
The memorandum was signed by the Chairman of the Bakuriani 2025 Winter Youth Olympic Festival Organizing Committee, Mamuka Khabareli, and the Rector of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Jaba Samushia. Following the signing ceremony, the organizers of Bakuriani 2025 held an informational presentation for the students.
Addressing the students, Jaba Samushia said: “Thousands of participants and attendees are coming to the festival. You will represent Georgia and help promote the homeland so that they speak positively about Georgia afterward. That is why we must select the best students.”
“The hosting of the Winter Youth Olympic Festival in Georgia is of great importance for the development of winter sports in our country. We have the full support of the government, as this event will significantly enhance Georgia’s recognition on the international stage. Volunteers play an invaluable role in this process,” said Mamuka Khabareli.
The Bakuriani 2025 Winter Youth Olympic Festival is one of the most significant sporting events in Georgia, set to take place from February 9 to 16, 2025, across three locations – Tbilisi, Batumi, and Bakuriani. Our country will host representatives from 46 countries competing in eight winter Olympic sports: Alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, cross-country skiing, short-track speed skating, figure skating, and ice hockey.
Under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Georgia, the first meeting of the government commission, created to support the organization of the European Youth Winter Olympic Festival “Bakuriani 2025,” took place.
The commission members discussed organizational matters to ensure the successful hosting of the Olympics.
For the 2025 European Youth Winter Olympic Festival, the Municipal Development Fund of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure is constructing a biathlon and cross-country skiing venue and a 3.5 km trail in Bakuriani, as well as an ice palace in Tbilisi.
“Active construction is underway for the biathlon and cross-country skiing tracks and the related infrastructure in Bakuriani. Water supply and electrical systems are being installed for artificial snowmaking on the trails. The construction of the ice palace in Tbilisi is in its final stage.”
The Tbilisi ice palace, designed for hockey, figure skating, and curling, will accommodate up to 700 spectators.
The government commission for facilitating the “Bakuriani 2025” European Youth Winter Olympic Festival was established by a governmental decree.
“The commission ensures the coordination of the agencies and organizations involved in the festival’s organization and the prompt resolution of issues related to the event.” Georgia will host the European Youth Winter Olympic Festival in February 2025.
2024On June 15-16th of the current year the largest sports’ event “SPORTFEST” was held at Expo Georgia, Tbilisi, where EYOF Bakuriani 2025 was impressively and effectively represented with the branded space. During these two days thousands of people visited our zone
In order to clearly promote “Bakuriani 2025” and fully experience winter sports we had an amazing decoration of mountains and photo zone with comfortable chairlift, resting space with poufs, fun activities and of course mascot “GUNDA” created cheerful and pleasant environment. Our guests had a wonderful time while playing different games. The winners were gifted colourful branded t-shirts, backpacks, caps, wristbands, stickers, pins and flags. Bakuriani 2025 treated visitors with “Coca-cola”
As the registration for the volunteers is available from April 1st , on Sportfest every interested visitor learned more information about volunteering at the festival and decided to participate in this unforgettable journey. Registration for volunteers is open on the following link
Independence day of Georgia is an annual public holiday which is celebrated on May 26th by the Georgian people all over the whole country. As the festival will be one of the most significant event and valuable legacy for Georgia, on this day at Rustaveli ave. EYOF Bakuriani 2025 created interactive, interesting and fun zone for the visitors.
Guests had an opportunity to take part in fun and informational raffle about Georgia, Bakuriani, EYOF, winter sports and etc. The winners were gifted different branded materials from EYOF Bakuriani 2025. The Visitors were excited seeing and taking photos with the mascot “GUNDA” enjoying good times with him.
Besides the promotion of the festival our team provided visitors with the specific information and benefits about Volunteering which you can see on the following link. Guests aged 18 years and more were available to make the registration in the rows of Volunteers.
Volunteers Needed for EYOF 2025 in Bakuriani, Batumi and Tbilisi: Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience!
We are excited to announce that volunteer registration for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2025 is now open! This is your chance to be part of an extraordinary event that brings together the best young athletes from across Europe.
We are excited to announce that volunteer registration for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2025 is now open! This is your chance to be part of an extraordinary event that brings together the best young athletes from across Europe.
Why Volunteer for EYOF Bakuriani 2025?
Volunteering at the EYOF 2025 in Bakuriani offers the opportunity to be at the heart of the action, meet new people, gain valuable experience, and create lasting memories. We are seeking 800 enthusiastic volunteers to help make this festival a success.
We have a variety of Departments to suit different skills and interests. Departments For Volunteering:
Marketing and PR Department
NOC Department
Department of VIP Control and Government Services
Sports Department
IT & Accreditation Department
Catering, Transportation , Accommodation and Arrival / Departure Department
Infrastructure Department
Medical Department
Security Department
Doping Control
Who Can Apply? We welcome individuals from all backgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to volunteering, your enthusiasm and commitment are what matters. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old by the start of the festival.
Volunteer Benefits:
– Official EYOF Bakuriani 2025 Uniforms – Comprehensive Training and Support – Meals and Refreshments During Shifts – Volunteer Certificate – Unforgettable Memories and New Friendships – And Many Other Gifts
How to Apply: Ready to join us? Register now on our official website and complete the application form, indicating your preferred role and availability. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply today on the following link.
Be Part of Something Special! The EYOF 2025 in Bakuriani promises to be a spectacular event. By volunteering, you’ll help create an unforgettable experience for young athletes and spectators. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special.
Let’s Make EYOF Bakuriani 2025 a Festival to Remember!
On February 28th Mascot reveal and Official Anthem presentation was held in Bakuriani. Eyof 2025 created a pleasant and vibrant environment with the general sponsor „Coca-cola“. The sponsor treated guests with delicious drinks and also visitors had opportunity to taste various Georgian food. Especially for this day both teams of Coca-cola and OC created fun activities and beautiful photo zones for the guests. Attendants were gifted EYOF Bakuriani 2025 branded gifts and souveniers.
We’re glad special guests from CoComm attended this important event. EOC Executive Committee Member and Chair of the EYOF Commission Member Liney Halldorsdottir and Chair of the Bakuriani 2025 CoComm Florin Misca were present at the unveiling.
Appearance of the official mascot of EYOF Bakuriani 2025 -„GUNDA“ was the most exciting moment during the event. Everyone enjoyed dancing, taking photos and hugging „Gunda“.
Meet „GUNDA“:
The name ‘Gunda’ means ‘snowball’ in Georgian, perfectly capturing the Caucasus Mountains’ snowy essence.
Gunda, the majestic Caucasian lynx, calls these high mountains home. Here, the air is crisp, and the snow is deep. Coincidentally, this year, the EYOF is happening right in his neighborhood.
Its remarkable ability to glide gracefully through the snow and its piercing gaze symbolize the very qualities that young Olympians rely on strength, determination, and precision. Those are the characteristics that Young Olympians rely on. Gunda is here to inspire and remind them that they can conquer their snowy challenges just like him.
But there’s more to Gunda than meets the eye. Its name is also tied to the snowball game, a team activity that promotes unity and friendship among youth from various countries and cultures.
Gunda embodies the spirit of youth and unity. Just like a snowball made from the purest snow, our team wants everyone to remember that, in the world of sports, the most important thing is to remember to have fun and enjoy the adventure alongside your fellow athletes.
In the central park of Bakuriani The night show band delivered a performance of „SHINE“ – official anthem of the festival, which excited every guest at the event. They also performed people’s favourite songs and held a great live concert. After the performance DJ continued to take care on attendants’ mood.
During the mascot reveal and official anthem presentation, the chairman of OC, Mr. Mamuka Khabareli remarked this significant milestone. He also provided guests with the information about EYOF Bakuriani 2025 and the preparation of the festival. EOC EYOF Commission Chair Ms Halldorsdottir said: “It has been fantastic to visit Bakuriani to see both the preparations that are ongoing and to feel the enthusiasm from Georgians, who are excited to host our Winter EYOF.
The Organising Committee of the Bakuriani 2025 Festival hosted media representatives in Bakuriani. Committee members evaluated 10 months of their own work, familiarising the journalists with future plans. Within the framework of the 2-day-long training, media representatives visited the sporting venues in Bakuriani that will host the 2025 Winter Festival, including: the Biathlon track, which is currently undergoing technical works. The goal of the Organising Committee of the 2025 Bakuriani Festival is to establish tight relations with both local media representatives, as well as foreign ones.
As part of the two-day training, media representatives visited the sports infrastructure in Bakuriani, where the 2025 Winter Festival will be held. Including the biathlon track, where technical work was currently underway.
The European Youth Olympic Festival Organizing Committee aims to maintain close communication with both local and foreign media representatives.
Istanbul hosted the 52nd EOC GA, within the framework of which the Bakuriani 2025 Organising Committee presented already implemented work and future plans, with rather positive feedback. The event was attended by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, Presidents of Europe’s National Olympic Committees, as well as other high-ranking guests.
(Hide english) Istanbul hosted the 52nd EOC General Assembly, during which the Bakuriani 2025 Organizing Committee presented a brief report on the work done and future plans. The information provided by the Committee was positively assessed. The event was attended by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, the Presidents of the European National Olympic Committees, as well as other high-ranking guests.
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