Skopje, 18 July 2025 (MIA) - Skopje is set to host the 2025 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival (EYOF) on July 20-26, bringing together athletes from 50 European countries. North Macedonia, as the host country, will participate with a record number of 203 participants – 181 athletes accompanied by coaches, officials and doctors.

Over 6000 people will take part in EYOF Skopje 2025, including 4300 athletes and coaches, 700 referees and officials, as well as a number of volunteers.

Events will be held in several venues in Skopje and Kumanovo, except for the artistic gymnastics competitions which will be held in Osijek, Croatia, due to inadequate conditions in the country. 

The Macedonian delegation was presented Friday by the Macedonian Olympic Committee. It includes athletes that will compete in all the sports featured in EYOF 2025.

In previous iterations of the European Youth Olympic Festival, the country has participated with delegations of around 50 members and has never won a medal. Hopes are high for EYOF Skopje 2025, with the Macedonian Olympic Committee aiming for medals in at least four competitions. 

The President of the Macedonian Olympic Committee, Daniel Dimevski, highlighted the importance of the experience that the country’s young athletes can gain from the games.

“I am convinced that this experience, when they become Olympians, will surely help them grow faster into top athletes,” Dimevski said.

The EYOF Skopje 2025 opening ceremony will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Jane Sandanski Sports Center in Skopje. Educational and cultural activities will also be held as part of the Festival.

All events are open to the public and entry is free of charge. More information can be found on EYOF Skopje 2025’s official website at https://skopje2025.sporteurope.org/. 

Photo: MIA