At today’s official press conference in Skopje, representatives of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and the Organizing Committee of the festival presented updates on the festival’s progress, achieved results, and the overall importance of EYOF for the North Macedonia’s sports and cultural development.

The EYOF Skopje 2025 has proven a tremendous sporting success – featuring a record number of 15 sports disciplines, more than 4,000 athletes, top-notch organization, and an electrifying sports atmosphere fueled by around 700 volunteers. The Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion, with the under-18 world record broken in pole vault and two under-18 European records (in the women’s 100m race and shooting). More records and sporting achievements are expected before the Festival closes on July 26.

These highlights were emphasized at today’s official press conference held at the “DoubleTree by Hilton” hotel in Skopje, where organizers shared updates on the Festival so far, the challenges they’ve faced, the milestones achieved, and the significance of EYOF for North Macedonia’s sporting and cultural advancement. The media received a comprehensive recap of the sporting events taking place across venues in Skopje, Kumanovo and Osijek – all immersed in youthful energy, sportsmanship and European unity. The importance of the Festival was also discussed in terms of its contribution to the European sports community and the institutional development of North Macedonia.

Speakers included Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC); Daniel Dimevski, President of the Macedonian Olympic Committee and of the EYOF Skopje 2025 Organizing Committee; Borko Ristovski, Minister of Sport of the Republic of North Macedonia; Líney Rut Halldórsdóttir, Chair of the EOC EYOF Commission; under-18 world record holder in pole vault Alika Inkery Moser from Estonia; and Macedonian flagbearer and volleyball player Matea Popovska.

Spyros Capralos, President of the EOC, highlighted the Festival’s media visibility and its broader impact.

“The EYOF is a unique sporting Festival. For many of the athletes, it is their first experience of an international multi-sport event, and an important chance to compete on the field of play, and make friendships and connections off the field of play,” President Capralos said.

“EYOF Skopje 2025 is already capturing the attention of all of Europe – all competitions are live-streamed and the numbers are outstanding. Just yesterday, the athletics competition reached 100,000 views. This demonstrates the festival’s significance and how sport unites the continent.”

Daniel Dimevski, President of the Organizing Committee and the Macedonian Olympic Committee, emphasized the national and sporting importance of the event.

“We are proud that North Macedonia is hosting one of the most important youth sporting events in Europe. This is not just an organizational success, but also a sporting one. We already have a new national swimming record, and I believe we’ll see North Macedonia among the medal winners in the coming days. EYOF is more than sport – it’s a platform for connecting our young generation with Europe and presenting our country in the best possible light.”

He also addressed the organizational challenges and the teamwork behind the Festival’s success. “This project is the result of years of dedicated work and vision. Behind every athlete, every volunteer, every driver or journalist, there is a team working with heart and soul. Organizing a multinational sporting event of this scale is extremely complex, but we are proud that Europe sees us as a trusted partner. We will continue improving all processes and show that North Macedonia is ready for even greater challenges.”

Borko Ristovski, Minister of Sport, underlined the strategic importance of the Festival for the country and youth sports.

“As a country, we have a historic opportunity to host over 4,000 athletes and coaches – something that rarely happens and is not easy to organize. This is not just a sporting event, but an investment in the future of Macedonian sport. I’m especially pleased that our athletes have the chance to compete on home ground against the best in Europe. This is a huge opportunity for all of us – institutions, athletes, and citizens.”

Líney Rut Halldórsdóttir, Chair of the EOC’s EYOF Commission, spoke about the challenges and the importance of the Festival:

“Organizing EYOF is a complex task, and over the past two years we have invested immense effort and dedication. This Festival in Skopje is the largest we’ve ever held, and that speaks volumes about North Macedonia’s ambition and capacity. EYOF is the first step toward achieving big dreams for many young athletes.”

Macedonian volleyball player Matea Popovska shared her satisfaction as a participant in the Festival. “As an athlete, I can say the conditions are excellent – everything is organized to the highest standard, and the atmosphere is truly inspiring. These conditions allow us to fully commit and give our best. I’m grateful to the Ministry of Sport and the Minister for making sure our national teams are fully supported to perform at their best. Our goal is clear: we want to make North Macedonia proud. But we need you – the media and the public – to support us. I invite all sports fans to attend the matches where we compete as a delegation. In particular, your support today at 6pm at the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center will mean a lot to us as we face Türkiyeand aim for our first victory.”

Alika Inkery Moser from Estonia, the first gold medalist of the Festival who set a new under-18 world record in pole vault (4.52 meters) on the first competition day, shared her excitement. “It is a great honor and pleasure to achieve my biggest success so far and set a new world record in my discipline right here at EYOF Skopje 2025. I will remember this Festival forever – not just for the medal, but for the amazing atmosphere and positive energy.”At the press conference, the public and media were invited to continue following the Festival, which runs until Saturday and features competitions in 15 sports disciplines, along with a cultural program, fan zones, mascot Shiny activities, and the presence of hundreds of volunteers who drive the entire organization.

At the Opening Ceremony, Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, highlighted the EYOF’s importance as a catalyst for youth sport development and cultural connection, while the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, officially declared the Festival open.

With a spectacular Ceremony at the “Jane Sandanski” Sports Centre in Skopje, the largest multi-sport event ever held in North Macedonia – the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Skopje 2025 – was officially opened this evening. With an impressive and emotional start, the seven-day sporting and cultural celebration (taking place from 20 to 26 July) has officially begun, bringing together young athletes from across Europe in the spirit of fair play, friendship, and solidarity.

The ceremony began with an artistic performance by four drummers from the Skopje Drumroll Orchestra and vocalist and harpist Sarah Mace, who blended traditional sounds with modern musical expression in a vibrant combination of rhythm, movement, and visual art. This was followed by the National anthem of North Macedonia, performed live by the Choir of the National Opera and Ballet, accompanied by the raising of the National flag.

One of the highlights of the evening was the Parade of Nations, during which athletes from all 50 participating delegations – including the EOC Refugee Team – marched proudly through the arena with their national flags, carrying messages of unity and a shared European future. The delegations received warm applause and a heartfelt welcome from the audience.

The opening speech was delivered by Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, who emphasised the EYOF’s role in promoting youth sport and cultural exchange.

“These Games are about more than just medals – they’re about learning, connecting, sharing, and living the Olympic values: excellence, friendship, and respect. For many of you, this may be your first major international experience, but what you’ll take away are the friendships, the memories, and the feeling of belonging to one great European Olympic family,” said Capralos.

The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, then took the stage and officially declared the EYOF open.

“It is a great honour for our country to host the Summer European Youth Olympic Festival, which has brought together more than 4,000 athletes and officials, who represent the best of the present and guarantee a bright future for European and global sport. This Festival is much more than a competition – it is a symbol of youth, sportsmanship, and unity. It is an opportunity for our country to show that we are gracious hosts, that we have a sporting spirit, and that we are ready to welcome everyone with open hearts. I believe all participants will leave with strong impressions, new friendships, and values they will carry with them for life. With great honour, I declare the European Youth Olympic Festival officially open,” said President Siljanovska Davkova.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening was the arrival of Olympic taekwondo medallist Dejan Georgievski, who, as the first bearer of the Flame of Peace and Solidarity, greeted the audience in the arena, marking the symbolic start of the torch’s journey. He was then joined by local sports heroes Mila Relić, Boban Ilioski, Divna Pešić, Berat Jakupi, and Puleksenija Jovanoska, while the flame was officially lit by North Macedonia’s leading track and field athlete, Dario Ivanovski. This symbolic act united the three host cities – Skopje, Kumanovo, and Osijek – and reflected the vision of EYOF Skopje 2025 as an event that brings the continent together through sport, culture, and solidarity.

The evening culminated in the first live performance of the official anthem of EYOF Skopje 2025, titled Together We Shine, composed and produced by Robert Bilbilov. The anthem, which has already become a symbol of unity and youthful energy, was performed live by Sarah Mace, Lara Ivanova, Yang Daddi, and Aleksandar Tarabunov, accompanied by a powerful multimedia show inspired by the Olympic values.

The event concluded with a special performance by renowned electronic artist Kiril Dzajkovski, who presented an exclusive musical set that offered a preview of the EYOF’s Closing Ceremony. The entire evening was marked by celebration, artistry, and inspiration, enhanced by spectacular stage design and deeply moving moments that resonated with the audience.

EYOF Skopje 2025 features competitions in 15 sports: Athletics, Swimming, Basketball, 3×3 Basketball, Handball, Volleyball, Judo, Artistic Gymnastics, Road Cycling, Mountain Biking, Canoe Slalom, Badminton, Shooting, Table Tennis, and Taekwondo. Competitions will take place at modern, international-standard sports venues in Skopje and Kumanovo, while the Gymnastics events will be hosted in Osijek, Croatia.

North Macedonia was represented by around 200 young athletes – the country’s largest EYOF delegation to date. The successful realisation of the event involves hundreds of volunteers and a dedicated organising team who have worked tirelessly for months to ensure that every detail is in place.

During the Opening Ceremony, the official anthem of the EYOF, titled “Together We Shine”, will be performed live by four prominent stars of the Macedonian music scene – Sara Mace, Lara Ivanova, Yang Daddy and Aleksandar Tarabunov.

On Sunday, 20 July, starting at 20:30, at the “Jane Sandanski” Sports Center in Skopje, the largest multi-sport event ever held in North Macedonia will be officially opened – the European Youth Olympic Festival – (EYOF) Skopje 2025. The Opening Ceremony will mark the beginning of a seven-day sports and cultural spectacle (20–26 July), bringing together young athletes from all across Europe in the spirit of fair play, solidarity, and friendship.

As part of the Opening Ceremony, a grand parade will be held featuring athletes from all 49 delegations, along with the EOC Refugee Team, which will be given special attention in the spirit of equality and inclusion. Thousands of young athletes aged 14 to 18 will march through the arena carrying their national flags, bringing with them the energy and hopes of a new European generation.

The audience will hear opening remarks from Mr. Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees, who will address the European sports community and highlight the significance of EYOF as a platform for youth sports development and cultural exchange through competition, respect, and unity. The EYOF will then be officially opened by the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Ms. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, launching the most important week of sport ever organized in our country.

The Opening Ceremony will also feature a unique stage-musical spectacle that will showcase Macedonian culture, sound, and visual artistry. Some of the most beloved and recognizable Macedonian musical artists will take the stage, supported by contemporary scenography, multimedia, and performances inspired by the Olympic values. The show is carefully designed to present the richness of Macedonian culture to the European audience and to create an atmosphere of unity, pride, and celebration, providing an emotional and memorable start to the EYOF.

The Opening Ceremony will include the live performance of the official EYOF Skopje 2025 anthem, “Together We Shine” – a composition already recognized as a symbol of unity, youthful energy, and the Olympic spirit. This powerful musical message will be performed live by four outstanding Macedonian artists – Sara Mace, Lara Ivanova, Yang Daddi, and Aleksandar Tarabunov. The anthem was composed and written by renowned producer Robert Bilbilov. More than just a song, the anthem is a call to Europe – a manifesto of hope, unity, and youthful strength.

The EYOF Skopje 2025 will feature competitions in 15 sports: athletics, swimming, basketball, 3×3 basketball, handball, volleyball, judo, artistic gymnastics, road cycling, mountain biking, canoe slalom, badminton, shooting, table tennis, and taekwondo. The competitions will be held at international-standard sports venues in Skopje and Kumanovo, while the artistic gymnastics events will take place in Osijek, Croatia, in cooperation with the European Olympic Committees and the Croatian Olympic Committee.

More than 4,000 young athletes, coaches, officials, and team representatives are expected to participate in the EYOF Skopje 2025, and hundreds of journalists, volunteers, and guests are expected to attend. North Macedonia will be represented by a delegation of nearly 200 young athletes – a record number in the country’s EYOF history.

In addition to sports competitions, the EYOF will also offer a vibrant cultural program, fan zones, educational workshops, interactive activities delivered by the European Young Olympic Ambassadors, and appearances by the official mascot – Shiny.

The Opening Ceremony of the EYOF Skopje 2025 will be an opportunity for North Macedonia to present itself as an open, modern, well-organized European country. The event will be broadcast live on Macedonian Radio Television (MRT) and can be streamed by audiences across Europe through EOC TV. The Organizing Committee invites all sports fans to witness this historic moment – whether in the arena or from their homes – and to be part of the biggest sporting story ever held in our country.

The Organising Committee of EYOF Skopje 2025 extends its sincere gratitude to the municipalities of Kisela Voda, Aerodrom, Centar, Karpos, Gazi Baba, Saraj, and Kumanovo for their outstanding cooperation, support, and logistical assistance in the preparation and execution of this prestigious event. Through their dedication and openness, these local communities have become an integral part of the EYOF, once again confirming that the success of major projects is built collectively, with team spirit, vision, and partnership.

Just a few days ago, the recording of the official anthem for the upcoming European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025 was successfully completed.

The anthem is performed by renowned Macedonian singers Aleksandar Tarabunov, Sarah Mace, Young Dadi, and Lara Ivanova. Created to promote the festival, the song will serve as a signature tune for this year’s EYOF, with powerful lyrics and music that convey a strong message of youth unity, boundless sports energy, and the enduring Olympic spirit that defines this long-anticipated sporting spectacle.

In addition to the anthem recording, the music video was also wrapped up. Its purpose is to capture the festival’s atmosphere and core values. The video was shot at several key locations in Skopje and Kumanovo—host cities of the festival—and the production took place in an inspiring environment filled with energy and teamwork, where every participant contributed their unique personal touch to this musical project. The team worked with great dedication and enthusiasm to create a visual and sonic product that will inspire and excite all participants and festival visitors.

Alongside the performers and young athletes, the official mascot Shiny also appears in the video, representing the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and youthful inspiration that EYOF brings to Skopje.

The anthem and music video will soon be officially presented to the public as part of the festival preparations and as a prelude to the emotions that will define this major sports event—the largest in Macedonia’s history. The European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025 will take place from July 20 to 26 in Skopje, Kumanovo, and Osijek. The festival will host more than 4.000 members of 49 National Olympic Committees and Refugee Team competing in 15 different sports. EYOF Skopje 2025 is the largest youth multisport event in Europe, promoting sporting excellence, friendship, respect, and European values among young people. This festival connects youth through sport, inspiring them to develop their potential and to live the Olympic spirit.

As part of the European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025, which will take place from July 20 to 26 in Skopje, Kumanovo, and Osijek, all sports competitions and official ceremonies will be broadcast live via the high-quality SRT platform. All the excitement from the sports arenas will be available live on Macedonian Television, with the opening and closing ceremonies being covered using six cameras for complete media coverage.

Athletics competitions will also be broadcast with six cameras in two sessions, morning and afternoon, and will include replays of the most exciting moments along with data provided by “Open Track.” A similar approach will be used for swimming coverage. Badminton will be streamed on three separate channels for each court, with data provided by the “Sport Data” system. All basketball games, including 3×3, will be streamed live, with replays, medal ceremonies, and official result data.

Other sports such as canoe slalom, road cycling, mountain biking, handball, judo, shooting, volleyball, taekwondo, and table tennis will also be covered with dedicated cameras and live broadcasts, including medal ceremonies and official data from relevant technical providers.

Special attention has been given to the organization of the live broadcast for the artistic gymnastics competitions, which will take place in Osijek, Croatia. In line with the agreement with the Croatian Olympic Committee and the European Olympic Committees, a separate streaming system – Elevien – will be used for this sport, allowing each discipline to be followed individually through dedicated links for each apparatus. All content will be unified through a specially created platform, and further information will be shared in due time. With this approach, EYOF Skopje 2025 sets new standards in the coverage of youth sports competitions, enabling uninterrupted viewing of every sporting moment and inspiring young athletes through global visibility.

The Organising Committee of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Skopje 2025 is proud to announce its partnership with IGNITX to implement an event-specific safeguarding programme, designed to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. With experience in the planning and delivery of safeguarding frameworks for major international sporting events, IGNITX has been selected to lead the development and operations of safeguarding at EYOF Skopje 2025.

As part of this collaboration, IGNITX will provide a full suite of safeguarding services. This includes the development of an event-specific safeguarding framework based on the methodology of the EU-funded Building European Safe Sport Together (BESST) project, creation of tailored codes of conduct for all stakeholder groups and delivery of targeted awareness materials.  In the lead-up to the event, all stakeholders—athletes, NOC officials, volunteers, and staff—will have access to focused training on safeguarding concepts, appropriate conduct, and how to respond to concerns.

A central component of the safeguarding programme will be the implementation of  ISAY, IGNITX’s proprietary reporting platform, which offers a secure and confidential mechanism for submitting concerns, including the option to report anonymously.

A safeguarding unit will operate throughout the event period, with all cases managed by trained professionals using trauma-informed investigative procedures. From the moment a report is received through to resolution, each case will be handled with sensitivity, impartiality and care. All processes will be fully integrated with the existing policies and procedures of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), ensuring consistency and alignment with international standards.

In recognition of the value this partnership brings, IGNITX has also joined the EYOF Skopje 2025 Commercial Programme as an official partner. The Organising Committee expresses its full confidence in IGNITX’s ability to deliver professional, impactful safeguarding solutions and appreciates their commitment to creating a safe and respectful space for all members of the EYOF community.

About IGNITX

IGNITX is an international team of passionate Games experts providing specialised consultancy services in combination with active and integrated support of project delivery. IGNITX works with two main focus streams: Event Management and Safeguarding in Sport. For both of these streams, IGNITX delivers consultancy, operations and educational services, including turnkey solutions.

The team is formed by event professionals called IGNITERS who are experienced, knowledgeable and capable experts that have successfully delivered a wide range of sport events in multiple functional areas. IGNITX supports governing bodies, event organisers and sporting organisations in creating more effective and safer environments for sport at all levels.

All sporting competitions at the upcoming European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025, taking place from July 20 to 26 in Skopje, Kumanovo, and Osijek, will be completely free for visitors! Citizens will have the opportunity to attend the competitions in the sports arenas without tickets or reservations and to be part of the atmosphere of the biggest sporting event in the history of North Macedonia.

This initiative reflects the values of the Olympic movement – unity, friendship, inclusivity, and sportsmanship – and aims to bring sport and youth energy closer to as many people as possible: families, students, fans, sports enthusiasts, and all curious visitors. During the festival, more than 4,000 young athletes from 50 European delegations will compete in 15 sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, basketball, handball, judo, cycling, gymnastics, and more. Skopje will pulse with sports energy, youthful passion, and the spirit of European solidarity, and every visitor will be free to enjoy the competitions, cheer on the athletes, and be part of European sports history.

Although all events are open to the public, the organizers would like to inform visitors that some venues will have limited spectator capacity due to the characteristics of the facilities:

• Partizan Hall, which will host shooting and table tennis competitions, has a small spectator stand and will accommodate a limited number of visitors.
• During the swimming competitions, a large portion of the stands will be reserved for teams, reducing space available for the audience.
• Additional limitations may arise for other sports as well, especially during finals, when high attendance is expected.

The organizing team is aware of these challenges and is working intensively to ensure all access-related information is shared transparently and on time. A special seating policy for AFF (Athlete Family & Friends) guests will also be published soon, to ensure clear coordination and fair opportunities for all who wish to attend.

In addition to the sports competitions, visitors will be able to enjoy cultural programs, fan zones, concerts, meet-and-greets with athletes, and activities with the official mascot, Shiny. There will also be creative workshops and opportunities to explore the values of the Olympic movement through fun, friendship, and sports.

EYOF Skopje 2025 is much more than just a sports event – it is a celebration of youth, culture, and European unity.

Learn more about EYOF Skopje 2025 on the official festival website: https://skopje2025.sporteurope.org/

Among the 15 sports included in the European Youth Olympic Festival Skopje 2025 programme is artistic gymnastics – the only sport that will not take place in North Macedonia but rather in Croatia. Specifically, in the eastern Croatian city of Osijek.

This is truly a gymnastics city, which has hosted the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup an impressive 16 times since 2009, all in the Gradski vrt Arena. From 20 to 26 July, the same venue will welcome gymnasts from 40 European countries (37 women’s teams and 34 men’s teams). The girls’ competition will see a record number of 34 countries competing with full teams!

“Osijek offers fantastic conditions for gymnastics, has a strong tradition, and experienced people who know how to organise events like this. That’s why it’s only natural for the capital of Croatian gymnastics to host this competition. I invite everyone to come in July and enjoy EYOF, just as they do every year at the FIG World Cup, because this summer in Osijek we’ll have the chance to watch future Olympic champions and global gymnastics stars,” said Zlatko Mateša, member of the Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committees and President of the Croatian Olympic Committee.

The Mayor of Osijek, Ivan Radić, also expressed pride that his city will, for the first time in Croatian history, co-host EYOF.

“This is a great honour for Osijek, Slavonia and Baranja, but also for the whole of Croatia. We are expecting over 200 young gymnasts, and we’ve secured accommodation for them in our ‘Olympic Village’ – the student campus with 800 beds, opened three years ago and one of the largest in the country. The arena and facilities in Osijek are excellent, and I can already say that Osijek is ready for EYOF,” said Mayor Radić.

Event schedule

• Tuesday, 22 July – MAG qualifications, including team and all-around medal events
• Wednesday, 23 July – WAG qualifications, including team and all-around medal events
• Thursday, 24 July – Mixed Team Final
• Friday, 25 July – Apparatus Finals
• Saturday, 26 July – Apparatus Finals

The European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025, taking place from July 20 to 26 in Skopje and Kumanovo, is the largest sporting event ever organized in our country. To ensure the successful realization of this major festival, support is needed from a large number of young people who will join as volunteers and become part of the team that will represent Skopje and North Macedonia to thousands of participants and guests from across Europe.

In this spirit, the organizers of EYOF Skopje 2025 are issuing an open call for young people from Skopje to apply for volunteer roles and make their personal contribution to the success of this important event. Volunteers will play a vital role in the organization – from providing logistical support at sports competitions, welcoming and guiding sports delegations, assisting with media activities, to participating in the opening and closing ceremonies. They will be the first faces young athletes and their teams will meet upon arrival in Skopje, acting as ambassadors of the city and the country.

For volunteers, EYOF Skopje 2025 is a unique opportunity for personal and professional development. They will gain practical experience in organizing a major international event, work in a dynamic international environment, develop communication and organizational skills, and create new friendships and networks with young people from all over Europe. All volunteers will receive an official certificate of participation, training, a volunteer kit, and ongoing support from the organizing team. In addition to being involved in one of the biggest sporting events in Europe, volunteers will work in an intercultural environment and build a network of contacts that could benefit them in the future. This is a chance for personal growth, confidence building, and learning through hands-on experience.

The involvement of young people from Skopje is especially important – they know the city, its energy, and its spirit, and through their engagement will help present it in the best possible way. Volunteers are not just assistants – they are the driving force, a key element without which the festival could not take place.

Volunteer applications are now open and are being accepted through the official EYOF Skopje 2025 website. Interested young people don’t need to have previous experience – all that’s required is a willingness to learn, work in a team, and a love for sports. EYOF Skopje 2025 is more than a sports festival – it’s a chance for young people to be part of a great European story and leave a lasting mark in the history of macedonian sport.

From July 20 to 26, 2025, Skopje will become the epicenter of youth sports in Europe as it hosts the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) – the continent’s largest sporting event for young athletes. Over 4,000 young talents from 50 delegations will experience Olympic magic, competing in 15 sporting disciplines and sharing a passion for sport, fair play, and friendship.

Sports That Shape Future Champions

The EYOF Skopje 2025 program features a wide range of individual and team sports, taking place in modern sports centers across Skopje, Kumanovo, and Osijek (Croatia). Athletics, swimming, gymnastics, judo, cycling, and mountain biking are among the most thrilling disciplines, where young athletes will proudly and enthusiastically represent their countries.

Team sports such as handball, volleyball, basketball, and 3×3 basketball will offer exciting showdowns filled with emotion and team strategy. Also included are badminton, archery, canoe slalom, taekwondo, and table tennis – sports that demand precision, focus, and a competitive spirit.

Venues Where New Sports Stories Will Be Written

Skopje will be the heart of the festival, hosting competitions in the city’s largest sports arenas, including the “Boris Trajkovski” Arena, “Jane Sandanski” Sports Center, and the Athletics Stadium, which will welcome Europe’s top young athletes. The stadium will serve as the primary venue for athletics events, hosting track, jump, and throwing competitions.

Kumanovo will host the cycling and basketball events, while Osijek will be the venue for gymnastics competitions, adding an international dimension to the festival. Each location will offer a unique sporting experience – a place where new sports stars will be born and the victories of future champions will be celebrated.

Sport as a Language That Connects Youth

EYOF Skopje 2025 is much more than just a sporting event – it’s an opportunity for young people to build bridges of friendship, respect, and understanding through sport. With the Olympic values as its guiding principle and the presence of the official mascot Shiny, the festival will be a celebration of youthful energy and a passion for an active lifestyle.

The event will also feature educational and cultural activities, fostering interaction between different nations and inspiring future generations of athletes who dream of performing on the world’s biggest stages.

Be Part of Europe’s Sporting Future!

North Macedonia is ready to welcome Europe’s sporting hopefuls with open hearts, organizational dedication, and true sporting spirit. EYOF Skopje 2025 promises a week filled with emotions, new friendships, sports magic, and unforgettable moments.

Learn more about the EYOF Skopje 2025 festival at: https://www.instagram.com/skopje_2025/