EYOF Skopje 2025 draws to close after showcasing best of Europe’s young athletes

Web Desk :

The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) Skopje 2025 concluded with an emotional Closing Ceremony, after six days of incredible sporting success by the continent’s most talented young athletes.

More than 4,000 athletes and officials from 50 delegations participated across 15 sports in the biggest edition of the EYOF to date, which served as a celebration of the Olympic Values of excellence, respect and friendship.Competitions were streamed through EOC TV, which received an impressive 1.36 million views throughout the EYOF.

Among the stellar performances on the field of play, Estonian athlete Allika Inkeri Moser set an under-18 world best of 4.52 metres in the Girls’ Pole Vault, and there were also European under-18 records from Kelly Doualla of Italy in the Girls’ 100m and Türkiye’s Elif Berfin Altun in the Girls’ 10m Air Rifle Shooting event.

Italy finished top of the medal table for the third consecutive Summer EYOF with 19 golds, 19 silvers and 12 bronzes, followed by France with 15 golds and five nations who each won 10 golds – Spain, Türkiye, Great Britain, Poland and Hungary.

EOC President Spyros Capralos officially declared the EYOF closed at tonight’s Closing Ceremony at the Jane Sandanski Sports Centre, and expressed his gratitude to all who had contributed to the success of the event.

“What an extraordinary week it has been! We have had the great privilege of witnessing the hard work, passion, enthusiasm and joy of our wonderful athletes. From breathtaking performances to unforgettable celebrations, and above all, your genuine respect for one another – you have shown us the very best of sport and spirit. Millions across Europe have followed your journeys through our broadcasts and streaming platforms. And they, like us, have been moved, inspired, and uplifted. Congratulations to all 4,000 participants across the 15 sports”, said President Capralos.

Daniel Dimevski, President of the Skopje 2025 Organising Committee and the National Olympic Committee of North Macedonia, also thanked all participants.

“North Macedonia was the proud host of a new generation of Olympic hopefuls. What we witnessed throughout EYOF Skopje 2025 was far more than just sports competitions. It was a celebration of youth, of sincere friendship, of mutual respect, and an inspiring spirit that brought us all together. These young athletes reminded us of the true Olympic values – unity, passion, and excellence. We are proud that North Macedonia not only proved it can organise an event of this scale with professionalism and heart, but even more so that it can inspire and unite people from across Europe. Thank you for sharing your energy, your dreams, and your youth with us. This is a legacy we will carry forward,” said President Dimevski.

The Closing Ceremony celebrated the roles of the young athletes, coaches and volunteers who participated at the EYOF Skopje 2025, and featured an energetic performance by Kiril Dzajkovski, the renowned pioneer of electronic music in the region.

The EOC Flag was also handed over to Laura Giorgi, the Mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro, and Giorgio Brandolin, President of the Organising Committee of Lignano Sabbiadoro 2027, the next Summer EYOF.