European youth olympic festivals: history and analysis of the performance results of ukrainian athletes

In the scientific publication, the authors analyzed scientific and methodological literature and electronic resources concerning the history of the establishment and organization of the European Youth Olympic Festivals. The geography of the EYOF host cities and the performance results of young Ukrainian athletes were also examined. A theoretical analysis was conducted, and the data regarding the organization of the European Youth Olympic Festivals (EYOF) were summarized, including their history of creation, participants’ age categories, and the sports included in the program of these multisport events. In addition, the performance outcomes of young Olympians - members of the national team - were analyzed, as well as the medal standings and the places achieved in the unofficial team rankings. The aim of the publication is to provide a partial overview of the organization and conduct of the European Youth Olympic Festivals, to emphasize the importance of implementing such events on the European continent, and to highlight the participation of youth under the age of 18 in competitions that contribute to their further performances at the World and European Championships, the Olympic and European Games, and to the continuation of their sporting careers.