Bakuriani, Georgia: The Winter Festival after the Summer Youth Olympic Festival, “Bakuriani 2025” was officially opened in Bakuriani, Georgia on February 9, 2025, Sunday.
The opening ceremony of the European Winter XVII Youth Olympic Festival in Bakuriani was held at the so-called 25s Park. It was more interesting, a sight filled with Georgian folklore and effective scenes. The national flag of Georgia was raised, and the national anthem was performed.
It should be noted that, the parade of delegations which is an essential part of the opening ceremony was also held, where special ovations were given to the representatives of Georgia. The Georgian mountain skiers Giorgi Japaridze and Neli Ustimenko were present at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Festival.
It is noteworthy that, the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze welcomed the guests of the Olympic Festival and wished them success. The participants of the festival were also addressed by Spiro Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees and Mamuka Khabareli, Chairman of the European Winter Olympic Festival Organizing Committee.
The Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili announced that the XVII Youth Olympic Festival of Europe Winter XVII was opened, followed by the arrival of the European Olympic Committee’s flag and then raising it.
According to the rule, the athletes, coaches and referees took the oath. The visitors saw the footage of the Peace Fire journey from Rome, its entry into the park, and the culmination of the ceremony – the fire lighting ceremony.
The opening ceremony was attended by various Georgian representatives. They are mentioned below:
- Georgian National Olympic Committee,
- Georgian Ministry of Sport,
- Heads of Sports Federations,
- Olympic Champions,
- Members of the Executive Board of European Olympic Committees, Representatives of relevant European Sports Federations
It is worth noting that other officials, veteran athletes, and fans were also present at the event.
The SEOK President Leri Khabelov gave a speech at the opening ceremony of the event. He noted that the opening ceremony is an important part of the festival.
On behalf of whole Georgia, he said that they wanted to present an emotional, memorable sight for our guests and a wider audience, and he believes that they have completed this task. The heads of European Olympic committees also shared their high assessments about this.” “I believe that each festival day will also be successful,” he added.
It should be noted that medals in 8 sports will be won in the Olympic festival. 1000 athletes from 45 countries from 14 to 18 years will participate in the festival. The 8 sports in which medals will be achieved are
- Mountain skiing,
- Biathlon,
- Freestyle skating,
- Figure skating,
- Ice hockey,
- Short track,
- Cross-country skiing,
- Snowboarding
It is noteworthy that, 8 Georgian athletes will represent Georgia in three sports:
- Figure skating
- Mountain skiing
- Biathlon
