The European Youth Olympic Festival came to a close in Maribor last night. The closing ceremony celebrated the young athletes and volunteers who took part in the event. Almost 2,500 athletes from 48 countries competed in 11 sports at 13 venues in and around Maribor. Organizers hailed the event as an all-round success, while the young athletes said they had fun and enjoyed the city.
Italy was the most successful nation, winning 46 medals, of which 16 golds. Slovenia's athletes won nine medals, of which two gold, two silver and five bronze medals. The European Youth Olympic flame will be lit again in two years in Macedonia's capital Skopje.