All eyes on sport in Macedonia this July 

From July 20 to 26, 2025, Macedonia will host the 18th edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), a major event that promises to transform not only the country’s capital, Skopje, but also the broader perception of what a small country can achieve on the international stage. Over 4,000 athletes aged 14 to 18, representing 48 countries, will compete in 15 sports across three cities: Skopje, Kumanovo, and interestingly, Osijek in Croatia, which will host gymnastics. It’s a huge moment for Macedonia and for European sport.

Created in 1990 through the vision of Jacques Rogge, former president of the European Olympic Committee, the EYOF has become Europe’s leading multi-sport event for young athletes. The first edition took place in Brussels in 1991, nearly two decades before the launch of a worldwide Youth Olympic Games. Since then, EYOF has grown into a major milestone for future Olympians, offering them a first taste of high-level international competition in an Olympic-like atmosphere.

This year marks the first time EYOF will be hosted in Macedonia. And for those of us who have been following the event for years, myself since 2015, especially for gymnastics, it feels incredibly special to see it come to this part of the Balkans. It’s a statement that ambition, energy, and vision matter more than size. Macedonia is ready not just to host, but to impress.

Hosting this event is not only a logistical or sporting challenge, it’s a cultural and symbolic moment. It’s about showing the rest of Europe that Macedonia is dynamic, youthful, and full of potential.

While the country has hosted international competitions before, such as EuroVolley 2023, EYOF 2025 will be its biggest sporting event ever. The stakes are high, and the opportunities even higher. The legacy of EYOF will go far beyond a single week in July. It will include upgraded sports infrastructure, newly trained professionals, a revitalized volunteer network, and most importantly, a generation of young people inspired by the Olympic values of respect, friendship, and excellence. With such an international event, this is a unique opportunity for Macedonia to show Europe just how dynamic, youngful and welcoming this country is. Through media coverage, international attendance, and broad public engagement, EYOF will shine a positive light on the country and open new opportunities for partnerships, investment, and growth.

There’s something truly powerful about what an event like this can ignite. Just as France saw a rise in table tennis participation after its Olympic successes, Macedonia might see a youth sports revival sparked by the excitement and visibility of EYOF. Local kids will get to watch international athletes up close, maybe for the first time. They’ll discover sports they’ve never seen before, meet role models, and dream bigger.

The event program is impressively diverse, showcasing both individual and team sports. The disciplines include athletics, badminton, 3×3 basketball, traditional basketball, canoe slalom, road and mountain biking, handball, swimming, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, and gymnastics. These events are about more than winning medals. They’re about growth, connection, and passion. For many athletes, this will be their first taste of international competition. For the spectators, it will be a chance to witness history being made by athletes who could one day become global stars.

But none of this would be possible without the volunteers, around 800 of us, coming from across Europe, all working behind the scenes to keep everything running. From welcoming delegations to supporting athletes and handling logistics, volunteers will be the silent heroes of EYOF 2025. And I can say from personal experience: volunteering for an event like this is unforgettable. You don’t just help out. You grow. You meet people from different cultures. You develop skills. You feel part of something much bigger than yourself.

For volunteers from Macedonia, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent your country, to share its culture and energy with the world, and to leave a lasting mark on the history of Macedonian sport. For sports lovers, this is a dream come true: being at the heart of the action, supporting athletes, and contributing to a festival that celebrates the Olympic values.That spirit of teamwork and collective energy  will define the event.

EYOF isn’t just for athletes or organizers, it’s a celebration for the public, too. In Skopje, Kumanovo, and Osijek, locals and visitors alike will have access to competitions, cultural programs, educational activities, and a unique vibe in the country for free. Families, young people, and fans will get to experience the Olympic spirit up close, to cheer for their favorite teams, and to feel the thrill of being part of a major European event. And as often happens when a country hosts a major event, home athletes may shine even brighter, boosted by the energy of the crowd.

Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or simply curious, attending EYOF means supporting the next generation, experiencing the excitement of international competition up close, and feeling the pride of being part of a historic moment for Macedonia.

See you in Skopje.

Camille Baudouin

Sources:
skopje2025.sporteurope.org
eurolympic.org: European Youth Olympic Festival – a blend of sport, culture and education
european-games.org: EYOF