Meet Shiny, the Official Mascot for the European Youth Olympic Festival 2025!

The Macedonian Olympic Committee is thrilled to announce that “Shiny” has been selected as the official mascot of the 18th European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2025, following a public vote. This exciting event will take place from July 19 to 26, 2025, in Skopje, welcoming young athletes from across Europe and celebrating youth sports, unity, and excellence. Shiny will serve as the vibrant symbol of EYOF 2025, representing the festival’s core values and embodying the spirit of youth and sportsmanship.

The selection process for the EYOF 2025 mascot was open to the public, with the Macedonian Olympic Committee inviting citizens of all ages to vote for the symbol that would best represent the spirit of the festival. Through this initiative, the people of Macedonia had a unique opportunity to choose the mascot that would inspire future generations of athletes and symbolize the nation’s commitment to youth sports. From a selection of three compelling candidates – Pero, Tome, and Shiny – the people chose Shiny, a mascot that stands out for its symbolism, warmth, and connection to Macedonian values.

Meet the Mascot Candidates: Pero, Tome and Shiny

Each mascot candidate carried unique symbolism, representing different aspects of Macedonian culture, vibrancy, and the values of youth sports:

· Pero – the Pepper: Named after one of Macedonia’s most cherished culinary icons, the red pepper, Pero symbolised energy, spice, and zest for life. Pero was envisioned to represent the fiery determination that young athletes bring to their sports, reflecting the energy and resilience needed to achieve great things.

· Tome – the Tomato: Inspired by another Macedonian staple, the tomato, Tome embodied growth, strength, and the nourishment that sport brings to one’s character. Tome represented the concept of “growth through sport” and was intended as a symbol of resilience, endurance, and the rich traditions of Macedonian culture.

· Shiny – the Sun: Now the official mascot of EYOF 2025, Shiny was inspired by the sun symbol on the Macedonian flag. Representing warmth, unity, and the spirit of friendship, Shiny symbolises the shared bonds formed through sports. As a bright and welcoming figure, Shiny is perfectly suited to represent EYOF’s core values of friendship, respect, and sportsmanship, and will serve as a beacon of optimism and joy throughout the festival.

Shiny will be an integral part of every EYOF 2025 event, from promotional activities to opening and closing ceremonies. He will engage with young audiences, cheering on athletes and creating lasting memories for attendees. His presence will also extend to digital platforms, where fans can interact, participate in fun challenges, and follow his adventures throughout the festival.

Shiny embodies the shared vision of EYOF 2025 – a festival that not only celebrates youth sports but also builds a foundation of mutual respect, cooperation, and friendship. He represents a future where young athletes can compete with passion, forge lifelong connections, and inspire others.