Volunteers are the Heart of the European Youth Olympic Festival 2025

The European Youth Olympic Festival 2025 represents a unique opportunity for North Macedonia. How do you perceive the importance of such events in promoting healthy habits and good values?

Events like the European Youth Olympic Festival 2025 are more than just sporting competitions; they have the power to leave a profound impact on society, especially on young people. They serve as platforms to inspire and motivate youth, not just in sports but in life as well. Through sports, young people learn about teamwork, dedication, discipline, and respect—values that are essential for everyday life. The festival promotes an active lifestyle, inspires young people to adopt healthy habits, and demonstrates that sports are more than physical activity—they are a tool for personal transformation.

Furthermore, the event acts as a bridge between different cultures and nations. Young participants will not only compete but also have the chance to socialize, learn from each other, and form lifelong friendships. The festival is an excellent example of how sports can foster unity and mutual understanding.

Last month, the call for volunteers, a significant part of the festival’s organization, was opened. Why is it important for young people to get involved as volunteers in such events?

Volunteering at EYOF 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an experience with long-term benefits. Being a volunteer in an organization of this scale means being part of something bigger, something that leaves a mark on society. Volunteers have the chance to contribute to sports, gain new skills, meet people from different cultures, and create a network of connections. Volunteering is not just about contributing to the success of the festival; it is also an opportunity for personal growth. It is an invaluable experience that helps build individuals not just as people but also as future leaders in their communities.

Additionally, volunteers will witness how such an event brings communities together, draws attention to sports and culture, and creates positive societal changes. This experience will teach young people the value of collaboration and the importance of individual contributions to the greater good. They will be part of a story remembered as one of the biggest sporting events in our country.

What opportunities will volunteers have, and what will their contribution to the festival be?

Volunteers will play a crucial role in all aspects of the festival, from organization and logistics to supporting sporting and cultural activities. Their contribution will be the foundation of the festival’s success. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to work with professionals, learn about organizational processes, and witness the societal impact of such an event. Through their enthusiasm and dedication, volunteers will help create a welcoming and professional atmosphere for athletes, coaches, and visitors. This is their chance to make a difference and show that young people are the key to positive societal changes. EYOF 2025 will give them the opportunity to be part of something significant, inspiring them to continue contributing to sports, culture, and society.

What would you say to young people who are hesitant about applying to be volunteers?

I would tell them not to hesitate and apply immediately! Being a volunteer at EYOF 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is more than just volunteering—it’s a chance to be part of history, to leave your mark, and to make a difference.

Young people often look for ways to get involved and make a change in society, and this is precisely that kind of opportunity. Through volunteering, they will witness the true power of teamwork and feel pride in contributing to one of the largest sporting events in Europe. Not only will it enrich their experience, but it will also help them realize that every change starts with them.

How will EYOF 2025 change young people’s perspectives on involvement in community
activities?

EYOF 2025 is an excellent example of how an event can ignite a sense of responsibility and active engagement among young people. Through their participation, they will understand that societal change depends on their initiative and dedication. They will recognize that their efforts can contribute to the success of an event that not only promotes North Macedonia but also brings positive changes to the community. The experience gained at EYOF will motivate them to participate in other initiatives, acknowledge the importance of their individual contributions, and become leaders in their communities. Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity for young people to understand that every change begins with an idea and action. EYOF 2025 embodies that—it’s an inspiration for change that starts with the youth.

Today at the “Jane Sandanski” Sports Center, the countdown of 200 days until the start of the European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025 was officially marked. The festival will take place in North Macedonia in July next year. The event brought together the best of the youth sports scene in North Macedonia, announcing the excitement that lies ahead in the coming months. From today, a new chapter begins in the preparations for one of the most prestigious multi-sport events in the country, which will unite Europe’s youth sports elite in Skopje and Kumanovo.

The ceremony began with an interactive gathering of young athletes with the festival’s official mascot, Shiny, who has become a true ambassador of EYOF’s values – unity, friendship, respect, and sportsmanship. The highlight of the event was a choreographed performance by Macedonian athletes, sending a message of togetherness and support for the future competitors.

EYOF Skopje 2025 will bring around 4,000 athletes from 49 European countries to North Macedonia. With competitions in 15 different sports – including athletics, basketball, volleyball, handball, swimming, judo, and 3×3 basketball – the festival presents a unique opportunity to promote the Macedonian sports scene and inspire young talents across the country.

This festival is a unique chance for young athletes from North Macedonia to compete with their peers from across Europe, gaining experience, friendships, and sporting skills. Beyond its competitive nature, EYOF Skopje 2025 symbolizes collaboration and the unification of different cultures and traditions through sport.

The organizers expressed gratitude to all participants, supporters, and media for their contribution to marking this important moment. With this event, a new chapter in the preparation for EYOF Skopje 2025 begins, paving the way for the successful realization of one of the most significant sporting events in North Macedonia’s history.

This festival will leave a lasting mark on the development of youth sports, inspiring new generations to dedicate themselves to sport and strive for the high standards of international competition. Through the organization of this festival, Macedonia continues to strengthen its position as an important sports destination and host of one of the biggest multi-sport events in Europe. You can watch the choreographed performance and the interaction between young athletes and the official mascot, Shiny, at the official EYOF Skopje 2025 Instagram account.

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On Monday, December 30, a special event will mark the significant milestone of 200 days remaining until the start of the European Youth Olympic Festival – EYOF Skopje 2025. With this event, a new chapter begins in the preparations for one of the most prestigious multi-sport events in North Macedonia, which will unite Europe’s top young athletes in Skopje and Kumanovo.

In the spirit of sports and togetherness, the countdown event will bring together young athletes, representatives of the Macedonian sports community, and the festival mascot Shiny – the symbol of EYOF. The event will feature an interactive gathering with Shiny, who represents the festival’s core values: unity, friendship, respect, and sporting spirit. In addition, young athletes will perform a unique choreography to send a message of inspiration, motivation, and support to all future participants of the festival.

The European Youth Olympic Festival is an event aimed at bringing together the best young athletes from across Europe, offering them the opportunity to showcase their talents at the highest level. Skopje and Kumanovo will host over 4,000 participants from 49 countries, who will compete in 15 different sports, including athletics, basketball, volleyball, handball, swimming, judo, and 3×3 basketball.

This festival holds great significance for North Macedonia—not only as a chance to promote the country as a sports destination, but also as an incentive for young athletes to strive for greater achievements. Participation by Macedonian athletes will provide valuable experience, competitive spirit, and the opportunity to form friendships with peers from across the continent.

EYOF Skopje 2025 is not just a sports event – it is a symbol of unity, solidarity, and a chance to transform youth sports in North Macedonia. The 200-day countdown marks the beginning of an exciting phase for Macedonian sport, in which everyone—from athletes to citizens—will have the opportunity to be part of history.

With great anticipation and ambition, North Macedonia is preparing to host the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2025, which will take place from July 20 to 26 and bring together the best young athletes from across Europe. The festival will be a celebration of sports, culture, and youth activism, promoting values such as friendship, teamwork, and respect, while opening doors to sporting and cultural cooperation.

EYOF Skopje 2025 will welcome around 4,000 athletes from 49 European countries who will compete in 15 sports disciplines, including athletics, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, judo, handball, tennis, and others. Sports halls and arenas in Skopje and Kumanovo will become the stage for top-level performances and a true Olympic spirit of youth.

As host, North Macedonia gains a unique opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to organize an international event of this caliber. Skopje and Kumanovo are already working on improving sports infrastructure, logistics, and accommodation for athletes and their teams, aiming to create an unforgettable sporting experience.

A key role in the organization of the festival will be played by hundreds of volunteers who will support the athletes and visitors. The open call for volunteers is already underway, offering young people a unique chance to be part of an international sports experience, gain valuable knowledge, and develop their organizational skills.

EYOF Skopje 2025 is not just a sporting event—it is a platform to promote universal values such as unity, friendship, and sportsmanship. The Macedonian public will have the opportunity to support the festival by attending competitions, participating in cultural events, and cheering on the athletes.

With this festival, North Macedonia will not only be a host but also a role model for how sport can unite people and cultures. With just over 200 days to go until the opening, the organizing team continues to work with dedication to ensure a world-class sporting experience that will be remembered for years to come.

“Sport is a universal language that connects us all. Young people are the future of every society, and through sport we learn about teamwork, respect, and perseverance. With EYOF 2025, North Macedonia will show that it is ready to welcome Europe’s sporting elite and create lasting memories for all participants. EYOF will be a festival of unity, success, and positive change,” emphasized Aleksandar Bogoevski, Executive Director of EYOF 2025.

Skopje and Kumanovo await the summer of next year with readiness and excitement, knowing that the youth will bring a spirit of hope, success, and inspiration for future generations. Sending a message that young people carry the spirit of the future, EYOF 2025 is more than just an event—it is an opportunity to create a better future through sport, culture, and social unity. All eyes are on North Macedonia, which with passion and commitment will write the next chapter of European youth sport.

As part of the celebration of the Day of the City of Kumanovo (November 11, 2024), the Municipality of Kumanovo organized a special event marking the start of the countdown – 250 days until the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2025, which will be held from July 19 to 26 in North Macedonia. In the presence of numerous citizens, the official mascot of the festival, Shiny, was also unveiled. The mascot was chosen by the public through an online voting process that concluded yesterday.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Kumanovo, Maksim Dimitrievski, as well as representatives from the EYOF 2025 organization. The importance of the festival for the city and the region was highlighted, emphasizing that this represents a unique opportunity for Kumanovo to be part of a major European sports event that will unite young athletes from across Europe and promote sports culture and international cooperation.

The mascot, Shiny, a symbol of youth sports and Olympic values, will be present at all events and activities related to the festival, reminding everyone of the significance of sports, friendship, and unity. Chosen by the public, Shiny will serve as an inspiration for all the young athletes participating in EYOF 2025.

As part of the program, the official representatives of EYOF 2025 toured the main sports hall in Kumanovo, where the basketball competitions will be held. Additionally, the delegation visited the mountain biking trail, accompanied by Emil Cvetanov, the competitive manager for mountain biking at EYOF 2025. This trail, offering challenges and stunning natural landscapes, will host the exciting cycling competitions during the festival, attracting young cyclists from various countries and highlighting North Macedonia’s potential for sports tourism.

The Olympic Committee of North Macedonia 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 Olympic Committee of North Macedonia 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 North 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 North Macedonian values.

Meet the Mascot Candidates: Pero, Tome and Shiny

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

· Pero – the Pepper: Named after one of North 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 North 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 North 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.

The Macedonian Olympic Committee announces the open call for the selection of the official mascot for the 18th edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2025, which will be held from July 19 to 26 next year in Skopje. Starting today, citizens of all ages will have a unique opportunity to choose the symbol that will represent youth sports and inspire future generations of athletes.

The call is part of the effort to involve the public in the creation of the festival, making the event inclusive and close to the heart of the Macedonian people. The mascot will symbolize the values of EYOF – unity, friendship, respect, and sportsmanship – and will be present at all events and promotions related to the festival.

“The choice of the mascot for EYOF 2025 is not just a decision, but an opportunity for all of us to create a symbol that will be part of the history of this significant sporting event,” said Daniel Dimeski, President of the Macedonian Olympic Committee. “We encourage all citizens to participate in the selection and cast their vote for the mascot that best represents the youthful energy and sporting culture of Macedonia.”

Voting will take place online on the official festival website, and the mascot with the most support will be declared the official mascot of EYOF 2025. The selection process starts today (November 6) and will last until November 10, 2024.

This is a unique opportunity for Macedonian citizens to be part of creating the symbol for this historic event, which will inspire young athletes from across Europe. Join and vote for the EYOF 2025 mascot – together, we can make the festival unforgettable!

For more information and to access the voting, visit the official website of the European Youth Olympic Festival 2025. The festival is organized by the City of Skopje, and co-organized by the Macedonian Olympic Committee (MOК).

Interested individuals can vote for one of the mascots – Pero, Tome, or Shiny – at the following link: https://skopje2025.sporteurope.org/mascot-poll/