The European Olympic Committees (EOC) announced that the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the cities of Sarajevo and East Sarajevo have been nominated by Peace and Sport for a Diplomatic Action of the Year award for their joint efforts in staging the successful 14th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) this February.
This EYOF marked a historic moment for Bosnia Herzegovina, illustrating willingness on all sides to embrace peace and friendship through sport, and to work together for a brighter future. In total, 911 athletes from 46 European National Olympic Committees (ENOCs) took part in the multi-sport event for Europe’s best athletes between the ages of 14 and 18.
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The EYOF was attended by the Chairman of the tripartite Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik and members of the Presidency Željko Komšić and Šefik Džaferović. As a result, a meaningful message of peace took place, with the three politicians joining the athletes during the Closing Ceremony to participate in a #WhiteCard campaign, highlighting the importance of sport in promoting peace.
The EYOF was the first international multi-sport event organised in Bosnia & Herzegovina following the Bosnian War (1992-1995). It provided all local communities with an opportunity to unite in a common celebration of sport, youth and peace. Sarajevo & East Sarajevo also received the Flame of Peace as the symbol of a brighter common future for all the participants.