The Flame of Peace for the Vuokatti 2022 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival was lit today in Rome at an elaborate Shine Ceremony held at the Ara Pacis Augustae, a monument built by Emperor Augustus to celebrate peace throughout the Roman empire.

With a little over 100 days to go until the main event gets underway in Finland, representatives from the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and the local organising committee for the EYOF were present to celebrate the lighting of the torch.

“Today we are celebrating peace and brotherhood, as the European Olympic Youth Festival at its core has always been an occasion to bring together the youth of Europe in peaceful competition and to learn about and espouse the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect,” said EOC President Spyros Capralos.

In addition to the flame, the representatives from Vuokatti 2022 were presented with The Dea Pax Golden Olive Tree sculpture, a symbol of peace and friendship whose branches represent the unfolding of the EOC umbrella to receive athletes from all European National Olympic Committees (ENOCs).

Some 2000 athletes 14-18 years old and officials from 47 European National Olympic Committees will descend on the Finnish city this Winter, with competition scheduled for nine sports over five days.