The European Olympic Committee (EOC) signed this Friday the host city contract for the 2027 Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), to be held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. The ceremony took place at the Regional Council Palace in Trieste and was attended by important figures such as EOC President Spyros Capralos and Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malagò.
The agreement was also signed by the President of the Regional Government of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Massimiliano Fedriga, the Mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Laura Giorgi, and the Executive President of the Local Organizing Committee, Giorgio Brandolin. In addition, EOC Executive Committee member and EYOF Commission President Liney Rut Halldórsdóttir was in attendance.
Lignano Sabbiadoro, two editions of EYOF
With the signing of this contract, Lignano Sabbiadoro becomes the first city in the history of the EYOF to organize two summer editions, after having hosted it in 2005. Moreover, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region already has experience in this type of event, having hosted the winter EYOF in 2023.
The 2027 edition will follow Skopje 2025, which will mark the first time that North Macedonia will host the event. On the other hand, the venues for the 2029 and 2031 editions are already confirmed in Flanders, Belgium, and Liepaja, Latvia, respectively.
Leaders’ statements on EYOF 2027
EOC President Spyros Capralos highlighted the importance of the event for European youth. During the ceremony, he said, “The signing of the host city contract is a statement of our shared ambition and commitment. The EYOF is not just about winning medals, but about transmitting Olympic values during a crucial stage in the development of young people.”
For his part, the President of the Regional Government of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Massimiliano Fedriga, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to be able to host the summer edition of the EYOF again in 2027, 22 years after the first time. Lignano is a city that has welcomed young athletes from all over the world in international events and educational programs.”
Italy’s commitment to youth sport
CONI President Giovanni Malagò underlined Italy’s commitment to youth sport and the organization of international events. “CONI is delighted to welcome back the EOC and Europe’s best young athletes for EYOF 2027. We are grateful for the support of the EOC, the Regional Government of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the Mayoress of Lignano Sabbiadoro and the Organizing Committee in the preparation of this event.”
The Mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Laura Giorgi, also highlighted the emotional impact of the event: “Everyone who attends EYOF in 2027 will live a truly extraordinary experience in Lignano. This event will be unique not only in sporting terms, but also for its emotional impact, creating indelible memories.”
Local Organizing Committee CEO Giorgio Brandolin assured that preparations are underway to provide top-notch facilities for the athletes. “We are excited to work closely with our partners in Lignano, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and, of course, the EOC to organize the best possible event in two years,” he said.
