Skopje, 21 July 2025 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova officially opened the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Skopje 2025 on Sunday, highlighting the significance of sport as a symbol of unity, culture and hope.

"Sport manifests the beautiful side of the present and guarantees the bright future of European sport," President Siljanovska Davkova said, pointing out that the festival is a rare opportunity for young athletes and guests to explore the Macedonian culture.

According to her, the games are "a symbol of youth and chivalry, a generator of togetherness and solidarity, a creator of European cultural and sporting dialogue".

She expressed confidence that the country will prove to be a kind and admirable host, with a passionate sports audience, and wished success to all participants.

"Continue developing the Olympic spirit, spreading goodwill and friendship, sending messages of peace," said the President.

President of the European Olympic Committees, Spyros Capralos, said in his opening remarks that this edition will be remembered for its warmth, energy and spirit.

"For the next seven days, Skopje is your stage, where you can make friends – you bring the energy, passion and hope for what is to come," he pointed out.

The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Skopje 2025 officially began in the sports centre Jane Sandanski late Sunday, with a grand parade featuring athletes from 50 delegations. 

The Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of a seven-day sports and cultural spectacle (20–26 July), bringing together young athletes from all across Europe in the spirit of fair play, solidarity, and friendship.

The EYOF Skopje 2025 will feature competitions in 15 sports: athletics, swimming, basketball, 3x3 basketball, handball, volleyball, judo, artistic gymnastics, road cycling, mountain biking, canoe slalom, badminton, shooting, table tennis, and taekwondo. 

The competitions will be held at international-standard sports venues in Skopje and Kumanovo, while the artistic gymnastics events will take place in Osijek, Croatia, in cooperation with the European Olympic Committees and the Croatian Olympic Committee. 

More than 4,000 young athletes, coaches, officials and team representatives are expected to participate in the EYOF Skopje 2025, and hundreds of journalists, volunteers, and guests are expected to attend. North Macedonia will be represented by a delegation of nearly 200 young athletes – a record number in the country’s EYOF history. 

Photo: MIA