On Sunday, the 16th European Youth Olympic Festival opened in Banská Bystrica with the participation of over 2,200 athletes and staff teams from 48 countries. "After a long wait and a year's delay, we have seen the biggest multi-sport event in the modern history of Slovakia. We see it as a great opportunity to raise the profile of our beautiful country across Europe through sport. Sports events all over the world are priceless advertising for the organizing country," said Anton Siekel, President of the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee (SOSC). "I feel very proud that an event of this size is being organised in Slovakia. I firmly believe that the EYOF will ignite a love of sport in all of us and remind us what important values for life we can learn through it. The Olympic Festival is a great challenge and a turning point for many young talents in their sporting careers," said Danka Barteková, shooter, four time Olympian and one of the ambassadors of the event.
In total 1,127 girls and 1,125 boys will compete in Banská Bystrica, the competition venues will be Zvolen, Detva, Slovenská Ľupča and Badín. Monaco has the smallest squad with three members, including two athletes. Slovakia has sent the largest team with 210 members, including 149 athletes, and Germany has the second largest team with 180 members. The event will take place until July 30.
Source: TASR
