MINSK, 21 April (BelTA) - To ensure the safety of participants and at the same time to guarantee that all the best athletes can compete, the European Olympic Committees in cooperation with the Finnish Olympic Committee and the local organizers have decided that the 2021 winter edition of the European Youth Olympic Winter (EYOF) will be postponed to March 2022, BelTA learned from the press service of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus.
The decision comes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the European continent, while a three-month postponement will allow for more optimal snow conditions in northern Finland. Thus, the best possible platform for skiing and snowboarding athletes will be provided. The postponement will also help the hosts save money on snow cover.
The new date for the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival is 20-25 March 2022.
About 1,800 athletes from 48 countries are expected to compete in nine sport disciplines at the EYOF in Vuokatti. The program will include alpine skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, short track, figure skating and Nordic combined.
Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, figure skating, short track and snowboarding will take place in Sotkamo. Ice hockey competitions will be held in Kajaani.
