The Organising Committee of the Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Lignano Sabbiadoro 2027 has officially unveiled its mascot, with the vibrant lizard Doro set to become the face of next year’s event in north-eastern Italy.
Doro was selected through a creative design competition open to students in the local area. The winning entry was submitted by student Valentina Polo, whose design impressed the jury with its originality and ability to bring together the values of sport, the local region and the spirit of the EYOF.
The lizard was chosen as a symbol deeply connected to Lignano Sabbiadoro, and carries broader meaning as an emblem of renewal, growth and resilience – qualities that reflect the aspirations of young athletes competing at the EYOF.
Doro’s design incorporates the EYOF logo and uses colour and graphic elements, including a sports jersey and symbols of teamwork and leadership, to convey energy, movement and diversity. The jury praised the entry for its design coherence, expressive quality and versatility across event communications.
The winner received a €1,000 prize to be spent on educational materials.
Two runners-up also received special recognition and €500 for educational materials: Sofia Michelini for her jellyfish character “Maddy”, and Andrea Schneider for the hermit crab “Pagu”.
The mascot was presented at the seat of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Government in Trieste, in the presence of Regional Vice-President and Sport Councillor Mario Anzil, Summer EYOF 2027 Executive President Giorgio Brandolin, and Lignano Sabbiadoro Mayor Laura Giorgi.
The Summer EYOF Lignano Sabbiadoro 2027 will bring together around 4,000 athletes aged 14-18 and coaches from across Europe, competing across 14 sports throughout the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
