After the stages in San Marino and Spittal an der Drau (Austria), the flame, the symbol of peace and sporting values of the 16th Winter Sports on snow and ice, edition of the EYOF2023 FVG, will arrive in Friuli Venezia Giulia on 28 November at 5.30pm. The historic town of Tolmezzo will host the atmospheric ceremony of lighting the torch and fire representing the ski centres where the competitions will take place from 21 to 28 January 2023. Over 400 athletes from 30 European nations will compete in 5 different Winter Olympic sports: Forni Avoltri will host the Biathlon competitions, Sappada Cross Country, Zoncolan and Ravascletto Freestyle Skiing (Slopestyle & Big Air) and Ski Cross and Forni di Sopra Ski Mountaineering.
In the presence of the Mayor of Tolmezzo, Roberto Vicentini, the Deputy Mayor Laura D’Orlando, the Vice-President of the Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Stefano Mazzolini, the President of the Organising Committee, Maurizio Duennhofer, the General Director, Giorgio Kaidisch, the President of the Region CONI, Giorgio Brandolin, the mayors and representatives of the regional ski areas involved, the torch will be lit in Piazza XX Settembre, a metaphor for the Olympic values and a symbol of the ability to bring together people from different nations, cultures, languages and traditions in the name of sport.
Athletes from the Carnia Ski Clubs will also take part in the ceremony as torchbearers. The torch will arrive on board the Io Sono Friuli Venezia Giulia lorry accompanied by the mascot KUGY.