With great pride and emotion, we present the official anthem of the European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025, titled “Together We Shine”, marking the symbolic start of the final countdown to the event that will write a new chapter in the sports history of our homeland, North Macedonia. This anthem is not just a song – it is a surge of energy, a vision, and a call to all of Europe.

“Together We Shine” is a musical celebration of unity, youthful power, and Olympic values – everything that EYOF stands for. The song is performed by four acclaimed stars from the Macedonian music scene: Lara Ivanova, Young Dadi, Aleksandar Tarabunov, and Sara Mace. The music and lyrics are created by renowned producer Robert Bilbilov (Justbproduction), while the powerful visual story and video editing are directed by Stefan Stivi.

The music video was filmed at various locations in Skopje and Kumanovo, the host cities of the festival, in a production that celebrates unity and the creativity of Macedonia’s young artistic scene. With a modern visual aesthetic, dynamic shots, and the presence of young athletes, the video reflects the sporting passion and collective motivation carried by EYOF. The official mascot, Shiny, also appears in the video – symbolizing brightness, youthful inspiration, and unity – values that will be at the heart of every moment of the festival.

From the very first beat to the final verse, “Together We Shine” is designed to inspire and uplift. With lyrics like: “EYOF we play, EYOF we shine, EYOF is here, your dream is mine”, the anthem calls for unity through sport, for pushing beyond limits, and for celebrating every success – both personal and collective.

This anthem is more than a cultural symbol – it is the beating heart in rhythm with youth’s hopes and dreams. It is a call to every athlete and every young dreamer. To unite, to shine, to show that Macedonia is ready not only to host but to inspire the Old Continent. Let this song not just be a part of the festival – let it be its soul.

EYOF Skopje 2025 will take place from July 20 to 26 in Skopje, Kumanovo, and Osijek, bringing together over 4,000 young athletes from 49 European delegations plus the Refugee Team. They will compete in 15 sports, carrying messages of friendship, respect, excellence, and European unity. The anthem “Together We Shine” is now available on the official EYOF Skopje 2025 YouTube channel. Share it, listen to it, feel it. Because this July, we are not just hosts – we are the heart of EYOF. With this song, the countdown begins to a sports celebration that will put Macedonia on the map of Europe’s most significant youth sporting events.

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 Macedonian 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 49 European countries 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 countries 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/

Interview with Jovan Toshevski, Marketing and Branding Manager for EYOF 2025

The European Youth Olympic Festival is one of the biggest sports events to ever be organized in North Macedonia. What is the significance of the festival, both for sports and for the broader public?

EYOF Skopje 2025 marks a historic moment for sports in our country and for the international reputation of North Macedonia. This is the first time our country is hosting a multi-sport event of such rank, bringing together over 4,000 athletes, coaches, and delegations from 50 European countries. The festival, which will take place from July 20 to 26 in Skopje and Kumanovo, is much more than just a sports competition – it is a symbol of European unity, of Olympic values such as fair play, respect and friendship, and ultimately, an investment in the future.

From the public’s perspective, the festival offers a chance for citizens to be part of something big and inspirational. Young people will be motivated to engage in sports, to dream of competing in the Olympic Games, while at the same time local sports capacities and infrastructure will be improved. This festival will shine a positive spotlight on North Macedonia on the European map, not only as a sporting host but also as a cultural and tourist destination.

From a brand perspective, why is EYOF an important event, and what do companies gain by joining as partners or sponsors?

EYOF 2025 offers a unique opportunity for brands that want to align with positive, authentic values and reach a wide audience. Every sponsor or partner doesn’t just get a logo on a banner – they become part of a broader story that unites youth, sports, energy, emotion, and European solidarity.

With more than 4,000 athletes, their teams, coaches, and families, and tens of thousands of visitors attending competitions and fan zones, each brand will enjoy direct and indirect exposure to diverse target groups. Furthermore, through our communication strategy – which includes traditional media, digital platforms, influencers and TV broadcasts – brands will benefit from comprehensive media promotion, amplified by emotional impact and a context that is hard to replicate through standard campaigns.

You have already signed agreements with several companies. Who are the current sponsors and what role do they play in EYOF?

We are proud to have already welcomed several important and strong brands as sponsors – Gorska, Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje, Joma, Sloga, Avant Car, Erasmus+, the Red Cross, the Volunteer Centre Skopje and Media Centre.

Each of these partners plays a crucial role. For example, Gorska, a natural mineral water brand, will be present at all sports venues and fan zones, providing hydration for athletes, volunteers, and the audience. Komercijalna Banka, with its long-standing support for youth and sports, provides not only financial backing but also strategic collaboration.

Joma is the technical sponsor responsible for outfitting some of the delegations and the official team, while Sloga and Avant Car contribute with logistics, transportation, and technical support for the organization. With Erasmus+, the Red Cross, and the Volunteer Centre Skopje, we are working on implementing a strong volunteer program – the heart of the event – with over 800 volunteers.

All of these partnerships show us that EYOF is not just a sports project, but a social one – uniting different sectors around a shared vision for success.

What are your expectations regarding attendance and media coverage? How much visibility will partners receive?

We expect a large turnout, both from local audiences and international guests – families, sports delegations, tourists, and media representatives. Our projections estimate tens of thousands of physical visitors, especially during the opening, closing, and final competitions.

Media coverage is also a priority – we will have a dedicated media center, agreements with national and regional TV stations for live broadcasts, involvement of online and print media, and a significant portion of coverage will happen on social media. This will give partners continuous visibility – not only at event locations but also in the digital space where young people are most active. Every communication touchpoint – from press conferences to fan activities – will be designed to incorporate sponsor branding.

How can companies from different industries get involved, and what types of partnerships do you offer?

We are open to partnerships with companies from all sectors – food and beverage, finance, insurance, technology, textiles, energy, mobile operators, the automotive industry, and many others. EYOF is an event with enormous scope, enabling the creation of customized packages tailored to each company’s interests and resources.

We offer multiple levels of sponsorship – gold, silver, and bronze – as well as thematic partnerships, such as sponsoring a specific sport, fan zone, volunteer program, or the opening and closing ceremonies. Each partner receives a personalized approach based on their target audience and business goals.

We invite all companies not to view this as just another sponsorship deal, but as a long-term investment in their image, in sports, in youth, and in the European future of North Macedonia. Together, we can build an event that leaves a lasting legacy – sporting, social, and economic.

As part of the “Outdoor and Travel Fair,” taking place from April 25 to 27 at Skopje City Mall, the Macedonian Olympic Committee (MOC) is presenting its own stand as part of the promotional activities for the upcoming European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025. The MOC stand at Skopje City Mall is open to visitors from 11 AM to 6 PM.

MOC’s presence at this event is part of a broader initiative aimed at engaging the public and raising awareness about the importance of this major sports festival, which will bring the Olympic spirit to Skopje and Kumanovo from July 20 to 26 this year.

At the stand, visitors can enjoy various interactive activities and games inspired by the sporting and Olympic spirit, while also learning more about EYOF’s mission and values. Additionally, all those who sign up to volunteer at the festival will receive special gifts as a token of appreciation for their willingness to be part of the organization of this prestigious event.

The MOC stand will also be visited by the Minister of Sports, Borko Ristovski, who will tour the fair and show his support for the ongoing preparations for EYOF Skopje 2025.

The Macedonian Olympic Committee encourages all citizens to visit the fair, get informed, have fun, and become part of the EYOF Skopje 2025 family. Through its participation in the “Outdoor and Travel Fair,” MOC continues to build a bridge between the public and the Olympic values, presenting the festival as a national event that will bring positive energy, a strong sporting spirit, and unforgettable moments for all participants and visitors.

This summer, more than 4,000 participants, including 900 volunteers, will take part in EYOF Skopje 2025, which will be held from July 20 to 26. Competitions will be organized across 15 sports: athletics, badminton, basketball, 3×3 basketball, canoe slalom, cycling, handball, judo, swimming, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, mountain biking, and gymnastics. Skopje will host the majority of the competitions, while Kumanovo will welcome the cyclists and basketball players. The unique sporting atmosphere will be enhanced by the gymnastics events taking place in Osijek, creating a true Olympic ambiance across multiple locations.

In addition to the sporting competitions, EYOF Skopje 2025 will offer a rich cultural and educational program, designed to foster intercultural exchange, friendship, and solidarity among young athletes from across Europe. The festival represents a significant step forward in improving sports infrastructure and promoting North Macedonia internationally. At the same time, it offers young people the chance to get involved and be part of something big, inspiring, and unifying.

EYOF Skopje 2025 is more than just sports – it’s a celebration of youth, enthusiasm, and togetherness.