Brasov To Become Olympic City In 2013

Ovidiu Vrânceanu, BraŞov

The Brasov City Hall hosted the ceremonial sign-off of the contract for the organization of the European Youth Olympic Festival - The 11th Winter Edition, 2013, by six communities in Prahova Valley and Brasov County.

The contract was signed by George Scripcaru, Mayor of Brasov, Guido de Bondt, the President of the European Olympic Committee Commission for the European Youth Olympic Festival and Octavian Morariu, President of the Romanian Olympic Committee. "There are four years to go until the opening of these games and there are very many things left to do. We are looking at some very hard work, especially considering that over 1,400 athletes from 44 countries have announced their participation. I would also like to say that I am impressed with the capabilities of Brasov in particular, but also of the other communities," said de Bondt. Romania"s Minister for Youth and Sports, Monica Iacob Ridzi, remarked this was the most important (sports) event in hosted by Romania since the World University Games held in 1981.

"The signing of the contract today is a first step, but we will continue preparations, as there will be an audit every six months. We need to be realistic and, beyond the joy of having signed the contract, we need to continue to take every step to make sure that the festival has all the infrastructure it needs. I"m not referring only to athletic infrastructure. It is a challenge and the time window is quite narrow," Minister Ridzi added. The Ministry for Youth and Sports has appointed a temporary EYOF Organization Committee, who are already working on this project. The projected dates for the event are 16-23 February 2013. The City of Brasov will host the opening and closing ceremonies. "We have a lot to do before the event. Compared to the other communities, Brasov has the mission to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the EYOF. We hope we will manage to make this event authentic," said Mayor George Scripcaru.