The President of the Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC) Professor Dr. Uğur Erdener, declared the Erzurum 2017 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), which ended with a spectacular Closing Ceremony yesterday, an overwhelming success for Turkey and young European athletes and thanked Turkish Minister of Youth and Sport, Akif Çağatay Kılıç for his unconditional support.
The Closing Ceremony, which began by honouring the medallists, was held at the Athletes’ Village at Atatürk University. Turkey’s flag was carried by Aydan Karakulak, who secured Turkey’s first ever Winter EYOF medal by finishing third in the girls' giant slalom final.
A short movie was then aired which displayed images taken by athletes throughout the course of the event.
Governor of Erzurum, Seyfettin Azizoğlu, attended the ceremony and addressed the young athletes: "It has been a pleasure to have welcomed such esteemed guests from around Europe to this beautiful city this week."
"It has been fantastic to have you all at this magnificent festival. We truly enjoyed your company and hope that you have enjoyed being here with us. We thank you all for coming to the city of Erzurum."
Speaking at the Closing Ceremony, EOC Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi praised the successful organisation of the event claiming that it will remain one the best Winter EYOF’s in living memory. He also thanked the Turkish Minister of Youth and Sport, Akif Çağatay Kılıç for his invaluable support from the planning stage to the execution the event.
Governor Azizoğlu followed up by handing the Olympic flag to Sarajevo Mayor Abdullah Skaka before the EYOF torch was put out and the ceremony ended.
Speaking after the Closing Ceremony, Professor Erdener praised the city of Erzurum for hosting a successful and memorable EYOF, despite having to stage the event two years ahead of schedule.
Erzurum was only confirmed as the host of the 2017 event in November 2015 after the TOC and the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina agreed to exchange hosting rights for the 2017 and 2019 Winter European Youth Olympic Festivals.
TOC President Professor Dr. Uğur Erdener said:
"The Turkish Olympic Committee would like thank our Minister of Youth and Sports, Akif Çağatay Kılıç, for his unconditional support in helping us deliver our first ever Winter EYOF. We would also like to congratulate the city of Erzurum for successfully hosting a truly memorable event. They have demonstrated that Turkey remains a world class destination for major international sporting events.
"The organisers set the stage for a new generation of athletes, many of whom were making their debuts on the Olympic stage. The courage and maturity displayed by these young athletes was second to none. It was wonderful watching Europe’s future stars come together and embrace the Olympic values of Friendship, Respect and Excellence."
TOC Vice President and EOC Executive Committee member, Hasan Arat said:
"I would like to thank the city of Erzurum and all its inhabitants for giving our guests from around Europe an authentic experience of Turkish hospitality. It was a joy to witness this event first hand and experience the energy and enthusiasm of the crowds cheering their athletes on throughout the five days of competition. I would also like to thank our Minister of Youth and Sport, Akif Çağatay Kılıç, for all of his contributions in helping us host such a successful event."
With 19 gold and 39 medals in total, Russia comfortably secured first place at the event whilst Turkey finished in 11th place with 2 silver and 1 bronze. It was Turkey’s best ever finish at a Winter EYOF with Hazar Karagöl (short track speed skating) and the girls’ curling team, both securing silver medals on the final day of competition.
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