(ANS - Bratislava) - About 1100 young athletes from 12 European countries will participate in the 25th International Salesian Youth Games, in Bratislava, Slovakia, from 30 April 30 to 5 May 2014. The games offer athletes a sporting experience, but also a cultural and spiritual experience. There will also be time for Eucharistic adoration, a trip on the Danube , a concert and an after party. 160 young volunteers will be working to ensure the success of the event. They will be joined by the organizing team who have already been at work for about a year.
The 2014 games have the motto "It's all about the spirit - In the game and also in life." This event is also an opportunity for the Salesians in Slovakia to celebrate the 90th anniversary of their arrival. “I greet with affection all the friends of Don Bosco, all lovers of sport and all who are participating in the 2014 Games.” said Fr Karol Maník, the Provincial. “I look forward to meeting you, to hearing the story of your life, to follow your games and also to give glory to God for sport, friendship and joy. Welcome!"
The 2014 Games are being held in Slovakia for the first time. There will be athletes from Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
The logo of the event consists of three figures, representing a Salesian - the tallest figure in the middle - between two young people. It represents the resolve of every Salesian to be among the young and to accompany them, through sports, toward the goal of salvation.
The three people featured in the logo were in Rome during the 27th General Chapter of the Salesians and met the Provincials of all the countries participating in the event. The Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, posed with the three figures, together with Fr Jozef Izold, Provincial designate of Slovakia.
The initiative of the International Salesian Youth Games was supported by some of the most famous athletes of Slovakia. The well-known footballer Marek Hamsik, Napoli and captain of the Slovak National team, said, "Cordial greetings to all the participants of the 2014 Games! I hope you enjoy the sports.”
The initiative is also well reported on the digital continent and in the social networks: there is a dedicated website, in English, and profiles on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
The Games will begin with the opening ceremony on 1 May at 20:00. The event will be broadcast live on Catholic Slovak TV Noe.
Published on 07/04/2014
