The Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) began this evening with a powerful Opening Ceremony at the Jane Sandanski Sports Center in Skopje, North Macedonia.
The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Ms. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, officially opened the EYOF, which is the biggest multi-sport event ever held in the country.
President Siljanovska Davkova, EOC President Spyros Capralos and President of the Skopje 2025 Organising Committee and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of North Macedonia Daniel Dimevski were joined by other distinguished guests at the Opening Ceremony.
The Vice-President of the Government of North Macedonia , Minister of Culture Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski, Minister of Internal Affairs Panče Toškovski and Minister of Education Vesna Janevska were all in attendance, along with Deputy Ministers and six Mayors of Municipalities.
The Opening Ceremony was streamed to viewers across Europe through EOC TV, and included a performance of the official anthem of the EYOF, Together We Shine, by Sara Mace, Lara Ivanova, Yang Daddy and Aleksandar Tarabunov – four renowned stars of the music scene in North Macedonia.
It celebrated local culture, sound and visual artistry throughout, and featured an atmosphere of pride and unity among the athletes, officials and volunteers.
This included the opening artistic performance by four drummers from the Skopje Drumroll Orchestra and vocalist and harpist Sarah Mace, and the concluding performance by renowned electronic artist Kiril Dzajkovski.
North Macedonia’s Olympic silver medallist in taekwondo Dejan Georgievski was introduced as the first torchbearer for the Flame of Peace, and the lighting of the Cauldron of the EYOF at Kale Fortress by long-distance runner Dario Ivanovski was shown via video at the Opening Ceremony.
Other traditional elements of the Opening Ceremony included a performance of the national anthem of North Macedonia by the choir of the National Opera and Ballet, the raising of the EOC flag, and the Athletes’ Oath, Officials’ Oath and Coaches’ Oath
More than 4,000 athletes and officials from 50 delegations, including the EOC Refugee Team, will participate at the EYOF Skopje 2025. Representatives from each of the delegations took part in a parade of nations at the Opening Ceremony.
On behalf of the EOC, President Capralos welcomed all participants to Skopje 2025, and highlighted the importance of the EYOF as a unique event for Europe’s talented young athletes aged 14 to 18.
“It’s an absolute joy to be here in this amazing and historic city — and even more special to be surrounded by so many bright, talented, and driven young athletes from all over Europe,” President Capralos said.
“For the next seven days, Skopje is your stage. This is where friendships will be made, dreams will be pushed to the limit, and stories will begin — stories that just might last a lifetime.
“These EYOFs are not just another event. They are the heartbeat of the European Olympic Movement — and you are its future. You bring the energy, the passion, and the promise of what’s to come.”
In declaring the EYOF Skopje 2025 open, President Siljanovska Davkova sent an inspirational message to the athletes.
“I encourage you to give your very best in your sporting contests and I wish you success in your competitions,” President Siljanovska Davkova said.
“Beyond the field of play, from the heart, I wish you unforgettable moments that will forever remind you of this sporting Festival.
“I hereby declare the European Youth Olympic Festival open!”
Athletes will compete across 15 sports at the EYOF, with artistic gymnastics events held in Osijek, Croatia through the collaboration between the EOC, Skopje 2025 Organising Committee and the NOC of Croatia.
In addition to the Opening Ceremony at the Jane Sandanski Sports Center, a special event was held in Osijek to enable artistic gymnastics athletes to be a part of the celebrations.
Competition at Skopje 2025 will run until 26 July, and the full schedule can be found here.
All competition can be streamed live or watched on demand through EOC TV.
