Today is a historic day for Georgian sports. The lighting of the Olympic Peace Flame in Bakuriani once again confirms that all of us, 45 European countries, are united by one common goal - to live in a healthy, united and peaceful Europe, - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated in his speech at the opening ceremony of the European Winter Youth Olympic Festival.
According to the Prime Minister, Georgia has fulfilled its promise and established itself on the world map as an attractive country for winter sports.
“Today is a historic day for Georgian sports. The lighting of the Olympic Peace Flame in Bakuriani once again confirms that all of us, 45 European countries, are united by one common goal - to live in a healthy, united and peaceful Europe.
Georgia has fulfilled its promise and established itself on the world map as an attractive country for winter sports. The festival, in which about 1,000 athletes and more than 700 officials from 45 countries participate, is a clear proof of this. With this, we have joined the seven European countries that have hosted both the summer and winter Olympic festivals.
Leaving as much legacy as possible from the festival for the country is the vision of the European Olympic Committees, which is fully consistent with our vision. That is why the festival is being held in three places - in Bakuriani, Batumi and Tbilisi. It is especially noteworthy that Batumi and Tbilisi are hosting such a major competition for the first time and thus presenting themselves in a new way to the world", - Irakli Kobakhidze stated.
