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 14^th 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.

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.