The Peace Flame, symbolizing unity and sportsmanship, has officially arrived in Georgia, marking the countdown to the 17th European Youth Olympic Winter Festival, set to take place in Bakuriani in February 2025.
The flame, a beacon of peace and hope for young athletes across Europe, was brought to the capital by key figures including Sports Minister Shalva Gogoladze, Olympic Committee President Leri Khabelov, and Bakuriani 2025 Organizing Committee Chair Mamuka Khabaresheli. This marks an important milestone for the event and for Georgia, which will become the eighth European nation to host both summer and winter European Youth Olympic Festivals.
A Historic Moment for Georgia
The arrival of the Peace Flame is more than just a ceremonial act—it’s a reflection of Georgia’s growing role in the global sporting community. The European Youth Olympic Winter Festival, scheduled for February 9-16, 2025, will see athletes from across the continent gather in the scenic Bakuriani region, famous for its winter sports potential.
It’s not the first time Georgia has hosted such a prestigious event. However, what makes this occasion particularly significant is that it will place Georgia among a select group of nations that have hosted both the summer and winter versions of the European Youth Olympic Festivals. This will be the first time Bakuriani, a small town in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, will serve as the venue for this prestigious event.
The Peace Flame was ignited at Rome’s historic Mercati di Traiano, where it began its symbolic journey across Europe. Two-time Olympic judo champion Lasha Bekauri had the honor of carrying the flame as it made its way to Georgia. The flame will travel through various regions of the country, further promoting the ideals of unity, peace, and the spirit of the Olympics.
The Significance of the Festival
The European Youth Olympic Winter Festival is a highly anticipated event that gives young athletes the chance to showcase their skills on an international platform. This year, up to 2,000 athletes from 48 European countries will converge in Bakuriani to compete in a variety of winter sports. The festival is an important stepping stone for many future Olympians, and it’s expected to draw significant attention from sports fans around the world.
The event will feature athletes between the ages of 14 and 18, competing in sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The Bakuriani 2025 Festival promises to provide a unique and memorable experience for both athletes and spectators alike. Georgia’s diverse landscape, which includes everything from mountain ranges to lush valleys, is expected to offer an ideal backdrop for the competitions.
Moreover, hosting such a large-scale event is expected to boost Georgia’s tourism industry and promote its growing infrastructure for winter sports. As the country prepares to welcome thousands of international visitors, this event will also help to raise the profile of Bakuriani as a winter sports destination, potentially attracting more international events in the future.
What to Expect in Bakuriani 2025
For the upcoming festival, Bakuriani will undergo some impressive upgrades. New venues will be constructed, and existing facilities will be renovated to accommodate the influx of athletes and spectators. The Bakuriani Ski Resort, a popular destination for locals and tourists, will play a central role in the games. Its modernized infrastructure, including upgraded slopes and facilities, will ensure that the athletes experience world-class conditions during the competition.
In addition to the sporting events, the festival will feature a number of cultural programs, exhibitions, and social events. These will not only celebrate the spirit of the Olympic Games but will also showcase Georgian traditions, art, and music, giving attendees a chance to experience the country’s rich heritage.
The arrival of the Peace Flame has stirred excitement among Georgians, who are eager to see their country take center stage in the world of international sports. The upcoming Youth Olympic Winter Festival is not just a sporting event—it is a moment of national pride for Georgia, signaling its continued growth and participation on the global sporting stage.
