By Duncan Mackay at the Floxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia

European Youth Olympic Festival Vorarlberg Liechtenstein mascot Alpy was introduced to the 49 National Olympic Committees of the European Olympic Committees in Cyprus today ©EYOF 2015Alpy, the mascot for the 2015 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Vorarlberg Liechtenstein, made a special appearance during the 35th European Olympic Committees Seminar here today. 


"A marmot in Cyprus?" said Peter Mennel, secretary general of the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC) and President of EYOF 2015

"I don't think that happened so far."

Aply was given a rousing reception when he was introduced to the 49 European National Olympic Committees attending the event.

"Alpy is an excellent example of the great ideas the young pupils of Vorarlberg have," said Mennel.

"A big thank you goes to the Textile Students of HTL Dornbirn."

EYOF 2015 President Peter Mennel (far left) with Alpy and EYOF 2015 chief executive Philipp Groborsch (third from left) at the 35th European Olympic Committees Seminar in Nicosia ©EYOF 2015EYOF 2015 President Peter Mennel (far left) with Alpy and EYOF 2015 chief executive Philipp Groborsch (third from left) at the 35th European Olympic Committees Seminar in Nicosia ©EYOF 2015

Among other items that the NOC's were officially informed about was the decision to move the biathlon competition to Bürserberg after it was agreed a temporary shooting range facility will be built on the Tschengla Mountain High-Plateau for the event.. 

"There has been some really positive feedback which gives a lot to Vorarlberg Liechtenstein," said Philipp Groborsch, chief executive of EYOF 2015.

Rosie Pili, head of NOC Services, meanwhile briefed the NOC's on the logistics of the event, which is due to take place between January 25 and 30 next year. 

"As with many large events, it is important that the delegations receive all the relevant information early to help them with their preparations, such as details about transport arrangements or accommodation," said Pili.

Alexander Hermann, secretary general of the Liechtenstein Olympic Committee and Robert Büchel-Thalmaier, coordinator of EYOF 2015, believes the presentation reassured NOC's that the event will be a success.

"For the first time in Olympic history two nations are organising a mega-event together," said Hermann.

"It is attracting a huge amount of interest. We are perfectly prepared to host this international event and have successfully presented the product to the sport politicians."

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