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.
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