On February 9, 2025, the resort of Bakuriani, Georgia, hosted the Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). This event is a significant opportunity for young athletes, aged 14 to 18, to compete in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating. For many, it’s their first major international competition and can be the start of successful careers in sports.
A large number of volunteers played a significant role in making the event a success. They helped support athletes, assisted with event planning, and made sure everyone had an enjoyable experience. Their dedication and enthusiasm were essential in ensuring the festival ran smoothly. Some of AAT’s students were part of the volunteer team, and we were able to interview them.
Ana Gogoladze, a Senior, said that the schedule during the event was intense, starting at 8 A.M. They were on the mountain until 4 P.M., followed by heading to the medal plaza at 7 P.M. for the evening ceremonies. Despite the exhaustion, she loved every moment of it. “One of the highlights was meeting so many professional athletes and cheering on the national team, especially Anastasia Mirianashvili, a student from our school,” she said. The whole experience taught Ana invaluable lessons in communication, organization, and handling large events, skills that will be useful in university and future careers.
Although the festival officially ended on February 16th, some volunteers stayed a little longer to help take down the decorations. Volunteers from every department came together, making it a memorable night. Despite being busy working, they laughed, talked, and had fun, celebrating everything they had accomplished. It felt like a big celebration, providing a perfect conclusion to the event.
Despite the early mornings, late nights, and all the stress, Ana says that she wouldn’t change a thing. She made amazing friends, particularly within her department, and those relationships made the whole experience even more special.
Lizi Schierman, also a Senior, had previously volunteered at the 2023 World Championship, and was automatically accepted this year. Lizi told us in more detail about the application process and the details of the work. She had to go through a short online interview and attend a meeting before the event. In Bakuriani she and most of the other volunteers stayed together at the Orbi Hotel, where they shared rooms, making the experience even more memorable. Upon arrival, they were provided with essential gear, including coats, bags, bottles, power banks, and shirts.
Volunteers were divided into different departments based on their roles. Some worked in marketing, others handled cameras and filming, while Lizi was assigned to the sports department, specifically on the freestyle ski road. She explained that freestyle skiing was thrilling to watch, as athletes performed impressive tricks.
As part of her role, Lizi served as a marshall and a slipper. Slippers were responsible for maintaining the ski slope by skiing down and clearing excess snow, ensuring a smooth track for the athletes. Marshalls, on the other hand, monitored the slope for safety. If an athlete fell during practice, it was their duty to stop the course. In cases requiring medical attention, marshals had to call for assistance.
One of the highlights for Lizi was cheering on her schoolmate, Anastasia, who competed in the festival. “Witnessing a familiar face in the competition made the event even more special and interesting,” said Lizi. “However, there was also some controversy regarding the design of the volunteers’ coats,” she added. It turns out that many found the pattern on their jackets unappealing, as it closely resembled the design of the Moscow subway, causing discomfort among the volunteers.
Despite the hard work, the volunteers were well taken care of. They received free meals, transportation, and accommodations. At the closing ceremony, they had the chance to interact with young athletes from different countries. Turns out that many of them attended special schools where their education was integrated with professional sports training. After many hugs and gifts exchanged among the competitors and the volunteers, everyone went home satisfied. Overall, it was another successful competition hosted in Bakuriani.
Picture Credits: EYOF Instagram Page
Edited by: Keto Kapianidze
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