The 2009 EYOWF, which take place February 14-21, will see over 1,070 athletes from 45 European countries assembled to compete in nine different winter disciplines.

 

The 32 strong British team will compete in five discliplines: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating and snowboarding.

 

For almost all the competitors, aged between 14 and 17, it will be their first opportunity to experience a multi-sport event and a chance to savour the atmosphere of an Olympic Village and Olympic competition.

 

Mike Hay, Britain's Chef de Mission for the event, said: “The EYOWF is an excellent opportunity for our younger winter athletes to participate in a multi sport environment and gain valuable international experience aiding the development of future Team GB athletes.

 

"We are delighted to be taking such a promising squad to Poland in February which demonstrates Great Britain’s developing strength across a range of winter sports.”

 

Britain has won five medals at previous EYOWF’s.

 

The boy's curling team won a gold medal and the girl’s curling team won a bronze medal at the 2005 event in Monthey, Switzerland.

 

Jo Williams won a bronze medal in Sundsval, Sweden at the 1997 edition of the event in the 500 metres short track speed skating event and Chemmy Alcott won a silver and a bronze medal in alpine skiing at the 1999 EYOWF in Poprad-Tatry, Slovakia, and is now ranked as one of Britain's brighest hopes for success at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

 

Rhona Martin, the 2002 Olympic gold medallist, who will be the leader for the curling team, said: “The boys and girls curling teams that will participate at the EYOWF have been training hard and are really looking forward to the chance of representing Great Britain in Poland.

 

"It will be a valuable experience for the youngsters to compete at this event and will benefit them all long term in their curling career.

 

"I am sure both teams will do us proud and achieve their full potential and reach the medal podium.”

 

To view the full list of athletes representing Britain, click here.