More than 1,500 young athletes from 46 countries, will gather in Sarajevo and Istocno Sarajevo, for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) which begins on Sunday on the Asim Ferhatovic Hase Olympic stadium and ends on February 16.

The opening ceremony will begin at 7 pm under the motto “We create together.” It will describe the hidden parts of the country and tell the story of Bosnian values, its natural treasures and diversity, as well as peoples living there.

“A team of people had joined powers and energy to create so many positive processes in Sarajevo. This project is important for the city from several aspects, and one of the most important aspects for us is the promotion of sport and its values, promotion of new generations and youth who will be future Bosnian champions in many sports,” Sarajevo Mayor Abdulah Skaka said.

The EYOF is important for Sarajevo from the political aspect as well.

“Two cities, Sarajevo and Istocno Sarajevo came together and proved that we are able and that we know how and have the energy to jointly implement such projects and to rekindle the Olympic spirit in Sarajevo,” Skaka added.

The ceremony will present the 46 countries taking part in the event. As always, Greece will begin the formal march of national teams which will end with Bosnia’s national team. The ceremony will also show a symbolic handshake between the 1984 Winter Olympics mascot Vucko and the EYOF mascot Groodvy.

Bosnia’s best judoka Larisa Ceric will carry the Olympic torch and light the Olympic flame in the same place where it burned during the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo, and Bosnia’s Presidency Chairman Milorad Dodik will declare the EYOF 2019 games open.

Speaking to N1, Ceric said she was honoured that she was chosen to light the Olympic flame and that she feels a little nervous.

“This is a historic moment for us, and I feel great privilege that the organisers chose me to light the Olympic flame,” Ceric told N1.

Youths age 14 to 18 will compete in the following disciplines: Alpine skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-country skiing, Biathlon, Ice hockey, Figure skating, Short-track speed skating and Curling.

Competitions will be held on Bjelasnica, Jahorina and Igman mountains, and in Zetra and Skenderija halls in Sarajevo and Peki hall in Pale, Istocno Sarajevo.