EYOF is an opportunity for North Macedonia to show it can organize a top-tier European event

Interview with Aleksandar Bogoevski, Executive Director of the European Youth Olympic Festival, which will take place from July 20 to 26 in Skopje and Kumanovo

How are the preparations for EYOF Skopje 2025 progressing and where are you currently in terms of executing the planned activities?

Preparations are progressing intensively, and we are now entering a phase where every day and every step is crucial. In the past period, we completed several important stages – technical inspections, coordination with national sports federations, and finalizing a large part of the logistical solutions. All venues have been mapped, the sports program is finalized, and we are in the process of wrapping up operational plans by sector. We are especially proud to have strengthened cross-sector collaboration – institutions, municipalities, and the private sector are all actively involved. We have a clear timeline until July and are working according to a detailed agenda that we follow and update daily.

Why is EYOF an important event for North Macedonia, and what does it mean for the country to host such a major sporting event?

EYOF Skopje 2025 is more than just a sporting event – it’s a platform through which a country positions itself before the European public. North Macedonia, as the smallest country to ever host the festival, has a unique opportunity to send a message about its maturity, capacity, and openness. This festival will bring more than 4,000 athletes, coaches, and delegations from 49 European countries who will live, train, and compete here. It’s a true cultural and sporting symbiosis. Additionally, EYOF will have a long-term impact – it will leave behind new sports facilities, a motivated youth population, a volunteer network, and a strengthened sense of confidence in all of us as a society.

Part of the preparations included the recently held Chefs de Mission seminar. How did it go, and what were the impressions of the European delegations who visited Skopje?

The Chefs de Mission seminar is a standard practice before every EYOF, where representatives of national Olympic committees meet to get familiar with the host cities and logistical details. For many of them, it was their first official contact with North Macedonia. The feedback we received

was truly encouraging – they were impressed by the organization, the openness and professionalism of our team, and the energy we radiate. Many of them were visiting for the first time and honestly admitted they didn’t expect such a high level of preparedness. This gave us additional motivation and confidence, and confirmed that Europe is truly watching and following us – which means we cannot afford anything less than perfection.

On April 12, the “100 Days to EYOF” event was held behind East Gate Mall. How would you evaluate the event and its impact on the public?

The “100 Days to EYOF” event was the first major public signal that the festival is approaching. From the concept to the final moment – everything was aimed at engaging citizens, especially the youth. We had 3×3 basketball tournaments, fun activities, presentations of Olympic values, as well as meetings with future volunteers and athletes. It was an event where sports and fun merged with genuine civic energy. Our goal was for the public to feel the festival as their own, and the response showed us that this goal was achieved. People are beginning to identify with EYOF – as a project that presents our country and nation in the right light.

What are the next steps leading up to the start of the festival in July, and what can the public expect from the event itself?

The next three months are critical. We will conduct simulation exercises, finalize mobile teams, hold additional training for volunteers, and continue with communication activities. In parallel, we will organize extra training for our volunteers, who are one of the most important elements of the entire process. Additionally, we’ll continue our outreach efforts to the public and media so that the festival is recognized by all citizens.

As for the sports program, EYOF Skopje 2025 will include 15 sports: athletics, badminton, basketball, 3×3 basketball, canoe slalom, cycling, handball, judo, swimming, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, mountain biking, and gymnastics. During the festival, Skopje will host most of the competitions, while Kumanovo will welcome the cyclists and basketball players. The unique sports atmosphere will be enhanced by the gymnastics competitions held in Osijek, creating a true Olympic vibe across different locations.

We expect over 4,000 participants, including young athletes from 49 European countries, their coaches and official delegations, as well as a large domestic audience. Along with all the additional activities – cultural programs, educational panels, and interactions among youth from across Europe – this will be a celebration of sports, youth, diversity, and European values. The public will have open access to many of the competitions, and the atmosphere will be truly Olympic – full of energy, color, positive emotions, and new friendships.

What is your personal vision – what do you hope EYOF Skopje 2025 will leave behind?

My personal wish is for EYOF to leave a lasting mark. First and foremost, to prove to our fellow citizens – and to the world – that North Macedonia can organize a complex, European, Olympic-level sports festival. I hope younger generations will remember EYOF as the moment they were inspired to take up sports, engage with the community, become volunteers, or follow their dreams.

It’s also important to me what we leave behind – new or renovated sports facilities that will serve future generations, trained staff, established processes, and knowledge that can be transferred to other projects. But above all, I want to build a sense of unity and pride among every citizen – that we were part of something big, European, and truly valuable. That will be the real success. EYOF is more than a festival – it is a turning point, a chance to show a new face, a new spirit, and a new energy of Macedonia. That’s the vision that drives me every day.