European Youth Olympic Festival, EYOF 2007 - Belgrade, Serbia

Impressive Event

"I have to say that I am very impressed by the quality of the competition organization", said Mr. Rogge during the tour of the Olympic village in Belgrade. Rogge also emphasised the importance of EYOF for education of talented athletes, and the benefits it offers as a preparation for future Olympic achievements


By WAVE Team
from Belgrade, SERBIA


President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Jacques Rogge stated that this year's European Youth Olympic Festival, hosted by Belgrade, is one of the best organized events in a 16-year old tradition of this sports manifestation.

"I have to say that I am very impressed by the quality of the competition organization", said Mr. Rogge during the tour of the Olympic village in Belgrade. Rogge also emphasised the importance of EYOF for education of talented athletes, and the benefits it offers as a preparation for future Olympic achievements.

President of the Serbian Olympic Committee, Mr. Ivan Curkovic said that Belgrade is greatly honored to host one of the EYOF founders.

The 9th European Youth Olympic Festival gathered the sportsmen from 49 European countries. During these seven days, Belgrade was the sports center of the Planet. Olympic flame came to Belgrade from Athens on the beginning of July and Djordje Visacki, General Manager of EYOF 2007 said: "We are sending out the message of peace and friendship to all our European guests. We are keeping our arms wide opened as sports rivals, but also as brothers to each and everyone of 3000 sportsmen, members of their delegations and all European Olympic committees officials that are going to be guests of our city from 21. to 28. of July."

At the central square of the University Center, a place that hosted Olympic village and other facilities, flags of IOC, EOC and state of Serbia were raised and the crown of event was opening ceremony of EYOF 2007, at the Belgrade Arena.