The Summer European Youth Olympic Games will take place in Trabzon, Turkey, from 23rd – 29th July, 2011. Over 3,500 athletes from 49 European National Olympic Committees will take part in nine sports.
Ireland have a great record of achievemnent in the Youth Olympic Games. Swimmers such as Grainne Murphy and Sycerika McMahon, athletes including Ciara Mageean, Christine Mcmahon, Shane Quinn, and the girls 4×100 relay team have all won medals in the past two Games in Belgrade 2007 and Tampere 2009. Its an important multi sport platform to future Olympic success. The Olympic Council of Ireland, Irish Sports Council and National Federations place a high level of importance on this event, which takes place every two years.
The OCI and National Federations agree qualification standards for selection to the 2011Trabzon Games. The teams preparation programme will include induction meetings and peformance planning sessions with potential athletes and coaches, and finalising the team preparation camp and support staff for 2011.
In the past few Games Ireland have been represented in Athletics, Cycling, Gymnastics , and Swimming. OCI Chief Executive Stephen Martin said “Some of these athletes will make the transition to senior level in their sport relatively quickly. For others the journey will be more measured, but when you look at the opportunities ahead for these young athletes, and in addition for the athletes in our team at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore last summer, its important to ensure the athletes are well monitored and supported to ensure a smooth transition to senior level”
The Trabzon website is now operational and can be accessed by clicking here
