May EYOF strengthen and promote the values of Olympism and intercultural dialogue
The President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar and her spouse Dr Aleš Musar have attended the opening ceremony of the 17th European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2023. As honorary patron of the festival, the President of the Republic has officially opened the festival with 3,621 young participants from 48 countries.
Maribor, 23 Jul 2023
News
"Dear EYOF 2023 participants and visitors, may this Olympic Festival be a celebration of sports, fulfilled dreams, friendship, and mutual respect. LMay it strengthen and promote the values of Olympism and intercultural dialogue," the President of the Republic wished to the young sportsmen and sportswomen who gathered for the official opening ceremony at the Ljudski vrt stadium in Maribor.
In a special video that the President of the Republic had recorded especially for the opening ceremony, she emphasized that sport shapes people and our character, and builds friendships between athletes that last a lifetime. "Sportsmen and sportswomen know very well that we all have the same heart. A man who has been among people of different cultures and races will never be hateful. I am convinced that anyone who has ever been an athlete is simply a good person," said President Pirc Musar, who trained handball and archery in youth and recently became the state champion in doubles bowling.
President Pirc Musar ihad the honour to be the first politician in history to officially open the European Youth Olympic Festival. She will also attend some of the matches in the next few days.
