The EYOF in Győr will be a prestigious event
Following the 2005 European Youth Olympic Festival in Livigno, kayak-canoe is going to be featured for the second time on the sport program of EYOF, which is a great success for Hungarian sport diplomacy.
EYOF Győr 2017 will feature sixteen kayak-canoe events. The races will be over two distances, 500 metres and 200 metres, including both individual, doubles, and mixed-team events. 'The mixed-team races are going to be unique events, it could even happen that the competitors row on the same side of the boat' said Éva Dónusz, Olympic Champion of Barcelona, head coach of the Hungarian youth team to olimpia.hu. She also spoke about the selection process of the Hungarian national team, adding that each nation can qualify up to six athletes. 'There are many talented children among the athletes born between 2001 and 2003. I think they can definitely get to the top 4 in Győr. Actually, I secretly believe that gold medals are also possible.' She also stated that these athletes will definitely be able to compete at future Olympic Games.
'Great interest has been shown for the festival. The EYOF at Győr will be a prestigious event. It is going to be the first Olympic event in Hungary featuring the official Olympic symbols. For me, the Games were a huge experience. Living in the Olympic Village and meeting the best athletes from all around the world are unforgettable memories to a sportsperson.'
Hungary's first Olympic event is going to start in less than five months. The Opening Ceremony will be staged on 23 July in the ETO Park Stadium. The Hungarian nation is expecting nearly 3600 athletes who will compete in 10 different sports such as athletics, judo, cycling, handball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, swimming as well as kayak-canoe. The EYOF is ranked as the third most important Olympic event following the Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games. It is expected that Hungary will be represented by more than 150 competitors.
(MOB/VF, foto: MOB/Péter Szalmás)
