Less than 50 days before the start of the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Bakuriani 2025, Rome hosted a unique ceremony at the Mercati di Traiano. There, under the backdrop of history and symbolism, the flame of peace was lit by Georgian athletes Anastasia Mirianashvili and Nikoloz Egadze, together with Mamuka Khabareli, president of the festival’s organizing committee.
The lighting of the flame marks a key moment in the run-up to the 17th edition of Winter EYOF, which will be held from February 9-16 in Georgia’s mountainous region. With the inauguration in sight, this event reaffirms the organizers’ determination to deliver an event that is not only unforgettable for young athletes, but also reflects Olympic values.
THE OLIVE TREE OF PEACE, A SYMBOL WITHOUT FRONTIERS
The ceremony, in addition to its solemnity, was filled with music and art. Italian and Georgian artists joined their talents to celebrate the spirit of unity that inspires the festival. Among the most significant moments was the presentation of the Olive Tree of Peace, an ancient symbol of victory and harmony, which was presented by the European Olympic Committee (EOC) to the Georgian organizing committee. This olive tree will remain in Georgia during the festival, recalling the connection between the Olympic Games and the ideal of peace.
Spyros Capralos, president of the EOC, highlighted the significance of this tradition: “The lighting of the flame of peace is a reminder of the impact and inspiration that the Winter EYOF has on our young athletes and on all participating countries”.
GEORGIA, READY TO WELCOME EUROPE
Leri Khabelov, President of the Georgian National Olympic Committee, used the event to thank the EOC for the trust placed in his country and reaffirm its commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all participants. “It is an honor to host this edition of the Winter EYOF. We are convinced that Bakuriani, Batumi and Tbilisi will offer the best possible conditions for athletes and visitors, as we already demonstrated in 2015 with the Summer EYOF in our capital,” said Khabelov.
For his part, Mamuka Khabareli, chairman of the organizing committee, assured that everything is ready for February. “We are very excited about what is to come. We want to show the world the beauty of our region and ensure that this edition will be remembered as unique,” he said enthusiastically.
A LINK BETWEEN ROME AND GEORGIA
The ceremony also brought together prominent representatives of sport and politics, such as Georgia’s Minister of Sport, Shalva Gogoladze, and several Italian figures, including Flavio Siniscalchi and Carlo Mornati. Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitoline Assembly of Rome, underlined the role of sport as a bridge between cultures and celebrated the ties between the two nations.
The Winter EYOF Bakuriani 2025 is shaping up to be a special event that will mark the lives of hundreds of young European athletes. Beyond the competition, this festival will be a space to celebrate sport, peace and collaboration between countries, with the flame of peace as a guide towards days full of emotion and shared values.
