EOC Newsletter
No. 192 May 2019
MESSAGE FROM THE EOC PRESIDENT
Dear colleagues, Following a terrific edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe, expertly hosted for the first time by our Montenegrin friends in May, the stage is now set for Europe’s premier multi- sport event: The European Games Minsk 2019. We expect a great 2nd edition of our Games, with some 4,000 of the continent’s best athletes competing in 15 sports, eight of which will offer qualifying for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
The hosts have been busy putting the final touches on preparations for the Games, which will be the largest event ever held in Belarus. We firmly believe in the sport capacity of Belarus and the Minsk European Games Organising Committee (MEGOC), and we are confident this edition of the Games will help us solidify our continent’s standing as the strongest in world sport. Athletes and officials from all 50 European National Olympic Committees are set to take part in the Games, creating the perfect platform for people from across the continent to become better acquainted with Belarus and vice versa. Our hosts have done an excellent job ensuring that all visitors will be well taken care of during the Games, and we look forward to a friendly and welcoming stay in the Belarusian capital. This includes the wonderful refurbishment of the local university dormitories into the Athletes’ Village, which is one of the best we have seen. First-time visitors may be surprised at how clean and modern the city of Minsk is, not to mention the world-class sporting infrastructure it possesses. In fact, only a single venue being used for the European Games needed to be built from scratch: that for beach soccer, which took only two months to construct. These Games, therefore, have already raised the bar in terms of sustainability. Following the successful inaugural edition of the European Games in Baku in 2015, Minsk 2019 is certain to continue to build on these solid foundations, adding its own unique flavour to the young history of the Games. And with the ensuing election of Krakow, Poland as Host City of the 2023 edition, the future of the European Games is in very good hands. I look forward to seeing you all in Minsk and wish your athletes the very best in their pursuit to be crowned champions of Europe.
Best regards, Janez Kocijančič EOC President
1 EOC NEWSLETTER May 2019 EOC EOC Seminar in Vienna gets interactive with top-level panellists The 40th European Olympic Committees (EOC) Seminar, which took place in Vienna from 18-19 May, was of high interest for the European National Olympic Committees (ENOCs). The new format of the seminar, led by EOC President Janez Kocijančič and EOC Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi, received very positive feedback from the European sports delegates. In an interactive and relaxed atmosphere, experienced panellists discussed important topics ranging from The European Model of Sport and the necessary actions for a gender-balanced future to commercialisation in sport and the growth of urban sports. Notable speakers also included Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) President Francesco Ricci Bitti and Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) President Russia’s Trusova named Raffaele Chiulli, International Olympic Committee (IOC) Deputy Director General for Relations with the Olympic Best Winter European Movement Pere Miró and IOC Director of Olympic Solidarity and NOC Relations James Macleod. Read Young Athlete more
EOC Marketing and Communication Commission gathers in Athens The EOC Marketing and Communication Commission met in Athens, Greece on 4 May. Chaired by Romanian National Olympic Committee (NOC) President Mihai Claudiu Covaliu, the group discussed the necessary know-how to implement an effective marketing and communications strategy for the organisation. The 4th Piotr Nurowski Prize for Best Winter European EOC Executive Commission Liaison Member Hasan Arat Young Athlete was awarded to 14-year-old Russian figure (TUR) was also in attendance. skater Alexandra Trusova during the 40th EOC Seminar in The Members agreed that a clear distinction between Vienna. the European Championships and the European Games A member of the Russian national team since 2017, Trusova is needed in order to enhance the EOC product. is a two-time World Junior Champion, two-time Russian Moreover, innovations in the sport structure of the Junior National Champion, 2018 Junior Grand Prix Final Games, the bidding process and other aspects are also runner-up and 2019 Russian national silver medallist. required to attract the public and encourage sponsors Despite her young age, Trusova is already shattering records and potential host cities. and changing the way skaters approach their programmes. The Commission advised the EOC to involve the She was the first figure skater to land two quads in a routine, European Union (EU) in the promotion of the European the first female skater to land a quadruple Lutz and the first to Games and the EOC brands, connecting its means with nail a quadruple toe loop. At the International Skating Union the communication and promotional system of the EU. (ISU) Junior Grand Prix in Lithuania last year, Trusova set a The possibility to use the Olympic Channel for promotion new world record with 74.74 points in her short programme, and the organisation of a Marketing Seminar on a beating the previous mark by 1.56 points. Read more European level was also discussed.
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EUROPEAN GAMES Poland set to host the 3rd Minsk 2019 gives the European Games in 2023 final boost to Games
The deadline for the submission of completed preparations candidature documents for the 3rd edition of the European Games in 2023 passed on 31 May, and the EOC confirmed it received an application from the NOC of Poland as a joint bid from the city of Kraków and the Małopolska region. The official election of the European Games 2023 host will take place at an extraordinary EOC General Assembly in Minsk on 22 June.
Minsk 2019 Torch enters Belarus after journey across Europe With the EOC flagship multi-sports event fast approaching, the Minsk European Games Organising Committee (MEGOC) is currently giving the final boost to Games preparations. Minsk 2019 organisers have confirmed that around 130,000 tickets have been sold so far. About 15 per cent have been bought by sports fans outside of Belarus, with Russia representing the biggest share. The Opening Ceremony, which is scheduled on 21 June at 10 p.m. at the Dinamo Stadium in the Belarusian capital, will showcase the country’s rich historical past, culture and achievements. An innovative attribute to the programme includes the augmented reality (AR) free-to-download mobile application SportAR. The AR The Flame of Peace for the 2nd European Games Minsk technology will bring the images of Belarusian flora and 2019 crossed the border into Belarus on 12 May, following fauna to life, but also help capture the emotions of the an eight-day journey across Europe. athletes and participants of the show.Read more The Relay was given a flying start when the Torch was brought to the top of Mont Blanc after an ascent by members of the Belarus Mountaineering Federation “The One Chapter Belarus.” Before entering Belarus, the Flame stopped in Ljubljana (SLO) on 8 May, Budapest (HUN) and Vienna (AUS) on 9 May, Bratislava (SVK) and Brno (CZE) on 10 May and finally in Warsaw (POL) on 11 May. A series of events were organised by the relevant NOCs to celebrate the arrival of the Torch. Read more
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Approximately 3,000 seats World-famous online game for fans with disabilities in developers to join Minsk Minsk 2019 cultural programme
MEGOC has announced that 3,000 seats for people with The developers of the popular video game “World disabilities will be available at sports venues during the of Tanks” are gearing up to take part in the cultural European Games Minsk 2019 from 21-30 June. MEGOC programme of the 2nd European Games. A large staff and volunteers gathered for a seminar in Minsk on entertainment area of the Belarusian IT giant will be set 29 May to discuss assistance for fans with impairments up at the Galleria Minsk shopping centre. at the hosting sports facilities. Read more During Games time, a 1,000 m2 “World of Tanks” entertainment zone will welcome visitors at the shopping centre (9 Pobediteley Ave, Floor 2). Fans will have the opportunity to participate in various family activities and win prizes. The social events will also feature popular Minsk 2019 medals YouTubers who will entertain people with online streams, unveiled! autograph sessions and photo shoots. Read more
Capralos: Minsk is ready to host the European Games
The medals of the 2nd European Games were presented on 21 May in Mir Castle, Belarus, exactly a month before the start of the event. The presentation coincided with the Torch Relay for the Flame of Peace for the Games. The main symbol of the Games – the magical flower “Paparats Kvetka” “Minsk is ready to host the 2nd European Games,” EOC – was incorporated into the medal design, which was Coordination Commission Chair Spyros Capralos stated conceived by Brama Branding. The design is a nod to the on the occasion of the 40th EOC Seminar in Vienna from summer season, during which the 2nd European Games 18-19 May. will be held. He stressed that all venues are operational and that the The shape of the medal is a classical circle, in the middle of Games have also attracted interest from non-European which appear sunbeams with fuzzy outlines, resembling countries. “Some 43 European countries have bought the sun on a bright June day¬ – the hottest time of the the rights to broadcast the sports event, while another Belarusian summer. Read more seven will show daily highlights,” he said. “The European Games, that are just a year ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, will be a great opportunity to see leading European athletes. It will also be broadcasted in 83 countries outside of Europe and the EOC is closely cooperating with the Olympic Channel to ensure the coverage in even more countries.” For his part, MEGOC Deputy CEO Anatol Kotau noted that the highest ticket demand is for athletics, beach soccer, gymnastics and karate. Read more
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EUROPEAN YOUTH OLYMPIC FESTIVAL Baku 2019 marks 50 Days EYOF Baku 2019 signs to Go with celebratory agreement with AzTv to activities ensure free live coverage worldwide
The EYOF Baku 2019 Organising Committee and Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint-stock Company (AzTV) signed a broadcasting and partnership agreement on 14 May. The agreement was inked by Executive Chairman of AzTV Rovshan Mammadov and Corporate Director of EYOF Baku 2019 Elchin Safarov. AzTV will have the exclusive right to broadcast the seven days of competition, including live coverage of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, final stages of the competition and award ceremonies. All live TV broadcasting will be open to the public, giving 1 June marked 50 Days to Go until the start of the 15th people around the world access to watch the Games on Summer Edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival the EYOF Baku 2019 website or cable TV. (EYOF). The Baku 2019 EYOF Organising Committee and “It is a great pleasure for AzTV to be part of such an NOC of Azerbaijan celebrated the occasion with a special important international event, putting our country and event featuring 500 participating children. AzTV in the international spotlight,” said Mammadov. The event, which coincided with International Children’s “We will make the best out of all our resources to ensure Day and the 125th anniversary of the modern Olympic the highest level of broadcasting.” Movement on 23 June, was supported by the Ministry The 15th Summer EYOF will be held in Baku from 21–27 of Education of Azerbaijan. The event included The July, featuring more than 3,600 athletes and officials, as Olympic Culture and Education Programme (OCEP) and well as over 2,500 volunteers. Twelve venues will host took place at the Athletes Village of the EYOF, which competitions in ten disciplines: athletics, basketball, is scheduled to take place from 21-27 July in the Azeri cycling, gymnastics, handball, judo, swimming, tennis, capital. volleyball and wrestling. Read more “The participation of children at today’s event is very important, because in addition to technical and operational preparations, we also set the goal of promoting the idea of sport among children,” said Minister of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Baku 2019 CEO Azad Rahimov. “We would like to see as many children involved in sport and leading healthy lifestyles as possible.” Read more
The European Young Ambassador Programme (EYAP) European Young was presented at the 1st IOC-NOC Culture and Education Champions’ Network General Assembly in Olympia, Ambassador Programme Greece on 21 May. The NOC Culture and Education Champions project was st presented at 1 IOC-NOC launched by the IOC Executive Board with the goal of establishing a network of 139 champions responsible Culture and Education for culture and education within their respective NOCs. The EYAP was presented by EOC Olympic Culture and Champions meeting Legacy Commission Chair Susanna Rahkamo (FIN) and Commission member Nataša Janković, who is also Olympic Values Promotion Manager at the NOC of Serbia. Read more
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GAMES OF THE SMALL STATES OF EUROPE Curtain closes on 18th GSSE in Montenegro - See you in Andorra in 2021!
The 18th GSSE came to close in Budva, Montenegro on 1 June 2019. Luxembourg topped the overall medal table with 77 medals (26 gold, 27 silver and 24 bronze), followed by Cyprus with 64 (21 gold, 27 silver and 16 bronze) and Iceland with 55 (19 gold, 13 silver, 23 bronze). A national record was also set by the host country, which secured 35 medals (15 gold, six silver, 14 bronze). Over 800 athletes from the nine smallest European nations (Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino) took part in the GSSE, which was the first multi- sport event ever hosted by Montenegro. They competed in 10 sports in five cities: Bar, Budva, Cetinje, Podgorica and Tivat. The Closing Ceremony took place in the friendly and joyful environment of the Slovenska Plaža, home to the Athletes Village. The event was attended by IOC President Thomas Bach, IOC Deputy Director Pere Mirò, EOC President Janez Kocijančič and EOC Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi. “You showed to the world how big the Olympic spirit is in your beautiful country,” said IOC President Bach. Read more
ENOCs BELARUS - NOC joins ‘European Night of Museums’
The NOC of the Republic of Belarus took part in the international cultural and educational event “The European Night of Museums” on 19 May. The NOC arranged a tour of the headquarters building and gave fans the opportunity to meet their sporting idols, including cyclist and Montreal 1976 Olympic champion Vladimir Kaminsky. In a conversation that lasted 40 minutes, Kaminsky spoke about his unexpected career path. “People didn’t believe I would be a cyclist, and neither did I. In the beginning, I wanted to play football!” he confessed. After the excursion, all attendees received an autograph and a photo with their favourite champion.
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GREECE – 59th IOA Session for Young Participants opens in Athens The International Olympic Academy (IOA) 2019 Session kicked off on Pnyx Hill in Athens on 2 June, with IOC President Thomas Bach and President of Greece Prokopios Pavlopoulos in attendance. IOA President Isidoros Kouvelos welcomed participants from all over the world while Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos delivered the welcoming address. A total of 171 young people from 91 countries have attended the conference under the theme “Olympic Diplomacy and Peace”, which will run until 15 June. Read more
ESTONIA – Long-awaited lottery Spordiloto launched
In cooperation with the lottery company Eesti Loto, the Estonian Olympic Committee (EOK) has launched Spordiloto, a new instant lottery supporting Estonian youth sports. EOK President Urmas Sõõrumaa was glad to see Spordiloto go on sale. “Sport-related lotteries have always been popular among Estonians, which makes this day even more joyful as this new product has been long awaited,” he said. Eesti Loto aims to sell 300,000 tickets, which would provide youth sports in Estonia with additional financing of nearly €150,000. The financing will be allocated to the EOK’s system of youth elite sports support, which aids the development of young athletes in the country. “On the one hand, sports and gambling go hand in hand, and Spordiloto will bring people who love both closer,” Sõõrumaa said. On the other hand, this initiative will also contribute to the various ways in which athletes can be supported.” Read more
FRANCE – NOC launches television channel
The French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) has launched its own dedicated television channel at its annual General Assembly in Paris on 26 May. The “Sport in France” channel is available on the Orange, Bouygues Telecom and Free platforms, allowing greater exposure to sports that do not enjoy substantial media coverage. It will broadcast a range of programmes, including live action, highlights, debate shows and interviews, to a potential audience of around 19 million people in France. According to CNOSF, “Sport in France” will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Possible cooperation with the Olympic Channel is also under discussion. Read more
GREAT BRITAIN - Team GB announces squad for European Games
Team Great Britain (GB) announced on 21 May the athletes that will represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the European Games Minsk 2019. The announcement sees 93 athletes confirmed from ten sports, with eight archers expected to be named in due course. For the time being, 24 athletes from three sports – equestrian, sailing and shooting – have secured quota places for Team GB at Tokyo 2020. For boxing (men) and judo, the European Games double as their usual European Championships. Four years ago, Team GB enjoyed success at the first European Games in Baku, winning 47 medals, including 18 gold medals. Among the gold medal winning athletes in Azerbaijan were boxers Nicola Adams and Joe Joyce, swimmer Duncan Scott and taekwondo athlete Jade Jones. A total of 18 athletes will be returning for their second Games, including defending women’s skeet champion Amber Hill and men’s artistic gymnast Brinn Bevan. Hill said: “I’m really excited to be selected to compete in my second European Games. The last Games in Baku was a special event for me as it was where I secured my place for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and it was an unforgettable moment. I feel honoured to represent Team GB and can’t wait to come together with athletes from all different sports in a multi-sport event like this.” Read more
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UKRAINE – Great celebrations on Olympic Day
The NOC of Ukraine celebrated Olympic Day in Kiev on 18 May. This year, a series of events all over the country was dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the IOC. More than 5,000 sports fans took part in a wide-ranging programme of sport activities, including badminton, chess, electronic basketball, hockey, running and table tennis. All participants were welcomed by Ukrainian NOC President Sergey Bubka. “Every year, we do our best to attract as many people as possible to show that a healthy lifestyle is very important,” he said. “The Olympians who are here today and are actively participating in the activities are the best example of the unique and universal Olympic values.” Read more
ANOC 2019 World Beach Games to be relocated from San Diego
The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Executive Board announced their decision to relocate the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games from San Diego to a new host city at its last meeting in Lausanne on 24 May 2019. The decision came after the Californian organisers were unable to raise the necessary money to fund the event. ANOC released the following statement: “The Games will still take place in 2019, and ANOC is currently in discussion with a number of cities that have the needed financial guarantees and a proven track record to host a world-class event. An announcement on the new host city will be in due course.” More than 70 NOCs have qualified for the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games so far, and the pan-continental association is looking forward to an excellent event, which will showcase the world’s best athletes from 14 exciting and youth-centric beach, water and action sports. OLYMPIC SPORTS EVENTS TOKYO 2020 - Olympic Torch Relay route expected to ignite enthusiasm across Japan
The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) unveiled the Olympic Torch Relay route on 1 June. The symbolic Olympic Flame will be proudly relayed through a huge number of localities in Japan during the final 121 days leading up to the event, which is certain to generate enthusiasm across Japan and around the world. Tokyo 2020 also unveiled the Torchbearer uniforms, the Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay Background Music and the application guidelines for members of the public that are eager to participate as inspirational Torchbearers. Read more
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LAUSANNE 2020 - 3,000 volunteers needed!
The Organising Committee of the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games has announced that it will launch its volunteer programme on Olympic Day this 23 June, exactly 200 days before the Opening Ceremony. Applications can be submitted through the registration platform: website lausanne2020.sport/en/Volunteers For the first time in Switzerland since the Olympic Winter Games St. Moritz 1948, 3,000 people of all ages will be given the chance to become Olympic volunteers in the country – a unique opportunity to become part of the prestigious history of the most recognised sporting event in the world. Read more EUROPEAN UNION Continental celebrations held for Europe Day
Europe Day was celebrated on 9 May. This special occasion represents an annual celebration of peace and unity throughout the EU, with commemorative events taking place all across the continent. Europe Day commemorates the anniversary of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, a speech delivered by the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, who proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The ECSC, formed in 1951 by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany, was the first in a series of post-war cooperative endeavours between nations, which would eventually become the European Union. Read more MISCELLANEOUS Naples 2019 Torch Relay begins at University of Turin
The Torch Relay for next month’s Summer Universiade in Naples kicked off at the University of Turin on 4 June. Selected due to its status as the first city to hold a Universiade, Turin welcomed representatives from the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the Naples 2019 Organising Committee in a ceremony to mark the beginning of the Relay. A group of 16 Torchbearers carried the Flame through Turin, ending the journey by the Castle of Valentino. The first was Italian double Olympic rowing champion and Naples 2019 sport operation manager Davide Tizzano. There is now less than a month to go to the Summer Universiade, which will see more than 9,000 athletes competing in 18 sports from 3-14 July. The Torch Relay arrived at the FISU headquarters in Lausanne on 6 June. It has now continued its journey to Italy and will arrive at San Paolo Stadium in Naples on 2 July for the Opening Ceremony the next day. Read more
9 EOC NEWSLETTER May 2019 SOCIAL MEDIA HUB
MINSK 2019 Romania was the team from Europe’s second division to secure a berth in EYOF BAKU 2019 Flame of Peace @minsk2019 at the Euro Beach 50 days to go to @eyofbaku2019 Soccer League Promotion Final in Alghero last year. #4everyoungbaku #eyofbaku2019 #readytoshine
#minsk2019 #europeangames #brightyou #brightyear!
Sparkling Opening Ceremony in Montenegro for @mne2019
NOC HIGHLIGHTS
FRANCE – Judo World Champion PORTUGAL Agbegnenou Clarisse will be the Team @comiteolimpicoportugal flagbearer for @FranceOlympique ready for #Minsk2019 at #Minsk2019
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