It is a great pleasure for me to welcome everyone on behalf of the European Hockey Federation to Vilnius, for the fourth European Hockey Under 21 Trophy. The Lithuanian Hockey Federation is one of the more energetic of our member National Associations, and although it may only be a small nation in terms of the number of current hockey players but it is very big when it comes to enthusiasm and hospitality.

Since 1998, these tournaments have taken place every two years and this has given more opportunities to our young players to take part in international competition. By moving these tournaments to a two-year cycle, more countries are now playing at this level. It has also established a consistent pattern for all European Nations events, which from this year will all be played on a two-year cycle, whether that be for seniors, under 21 or youth. As well as here in Vilnius, tournaments are also being held in Prague, Gibraltar, Bratislava, Catania and Albena.

Most welcome to Lithuania!

The geography of hockey is expanding further and further in Lithuania, and it is a great pleasure, indeed, to receive all of you today coming for the first time to our capital Vilnius. An excellent new hockey field has been built, in which the junior athletes from 8 countries will measure their strenght.     

I cordially wish all the participants of the Eurohockey Junior Nations Trophy (Women) 2006 the best of success competing. Let the hockey fans enjoy the matches and have unforgetable memories!

As the athletes competing in Vilnius are our olympian hopes, and it is very likely that we will find a few promising ones in this Championship, the ones, who will probably become future olympians.

Once again, I wish you the best of results, unique impressions and good luck!

I am happy to find that we have the honor of hosting the European U–21 Junior Hockey Nations Trophy in Vilnius for the first time. Our city will be giving the championship participants a cordial welcome. We have always welcomed athletes this way. These people ignite our dynamic city with sparks of liveliness and energy. The residents of Vilnius will be given unforgettable moments of triumph, excitement, and great performance; these are the athletes’ gifts to Vilnius.

I am indeed grateful for the energy and enthusiasm that you bring with you to Vilnius.
Good luck in your games!

Vilnius City Mayor
Artūras Zuokas

It is a great pleasure for me to congratulate European U-21 Trophey players, coaches, umpires and officials for the first time coming to Vilnius – the capital of Lithuania.

Here in the capital hockey has been played already for 20 years, but only during last 4 years it has become a competent sports field, which has a hockey sports school. Vilnius HFTC, „Ardas-Rudamina“ and „Zuvedra-Tauras“ hockey clubs are representing Vilnius in Lithuanian and in European club championships.

In October 2005 Vilnius became a hockey city and was integrated into European countries’ capitals, which have synthetic field pitch which meets all international requirements!

This European junior championship is particularly substantial for countries who participates in it, because the two first teams will get the right to play in 2008 European championship’s elite eight and the right to represent the Continent in the World championship.