Sport Social Solutions together with the Macedonian Olympic Committee has successfully completed the project “Integrity in Sport: Building Trust Through Action,” funded by Olympic Solidarity.

The project aimed to advance good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability, and sustainability within the sports system in North Macedonia, with a particular focus on national sports federations, sports professionals, young athletes, students, and relevant institutions.

A number of activities were carried out as part of the project, targeting education, prevention, and awareness-raising on the importance of integrity in sport:

Five educational videos were produced on topics related to good governance, democracy, integrity, inclusion, rights, and transparency in sport. The videos covered several key areas:

• Blueprint for Good Governance – a roadmap for good governance in sports organizations;
• Democracy in Sport – the importance of democratic processes and participation in sport;
• Inclusion & Rights in Sports – inclusion, equal opportunities, and the protection of rights in sport;
• The Explainer – Integrity – an introduction to the concept of sports integrity;
• Transparency in Sports – the importance of transparency and accountability in sports organizations.

Educational materials and integrity tools were developed for national sports federations, sports organizations, coaches, athletes, and young people, to facilitate a better understanding and application of the principles of good governance and ethical conduct.

A workshop was held in collaboration with the Cybercrime Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, addressing challenges related to sports manipulation, digital risks, online abuse, and mechanisms for preventing, identifying, and reporting suspicious activities.

Three educational workshops were conducted in secondary schools on the topic of “Preventing Manipulation in Sport.” Through these workshops, students were introduced to the importance of fair competition, sports integrity, the risks of match-fixing, the influence of betting, and the importance of responsible conduct in the sports environment.

Educational and consultative activities were carried out with sports stakeholders, aimed at strengthening the capacity of sports organizations for transparent decision-making, accountable operations, adherence to ethical standards, and the development of a more responsible sports culture.

Olympic values were promoted as the foundation for building a sports system based on respect, excellence, friendship, fair play, equality, and responsibility.

Through the implementation of these activities, the project contributed to the creation of a more informed, more responsible, and more resilient sports community — one that is better equipped to recognize the risks associated with integrity in sport and understands the need for collective action against manipulation, corruption, abuse, and unethical conduct.

Through this project, the partners reaffirmed their commitment their strengthening good governance in sport and establishing long-term mechanisms for integrity, accountability, transparency, and sustainability within the national sports system.

Прирачник за зајакнување на доброто владеење во спортот во Северна Македонија
Прирачник за подучување на практиките на Пиклбол
Прирачник за управување и интегритет на национални спортски федерации

We successfully implemented the project “Strengthening Communities Through Olympic Values Education,” in partnership with the Macedonian Olympic Committee. The project was aimed at promoting Olympic values, increasing physical activity among young people, and creating equal opportunities for sport and education for students from rural and underserved communities.

The project was carried out with the support of Olympic Solidarity, as part of the project partner’s commitment to expanding Olympic education in schools and bringing the values of excellence, friendship, and respect to the youngest generations.

A range of educational and sports activities were implemented as part of the project, with a particular focus on primary schools in rural areas across Skopje, Kumanovo, Gevgelija, and Kavadarci. Through interactive activities, sports games, educational content, and hands-on work with students and teachers, the project brought Olympism into everyday school life.

Four Mini Olympic Games – The Joy of Sport Across Four Regions

The centerpiece of the project was the organization of four Mini Olympic Games in rural areas of Skopje, Kumanovo, Gevgelija, and Kavadarci. These events were a true celebration of sport, camaraderie, and fair play, where students had the opportunity to compete, collaborate, learn, and experience Olympic values through play and shared participation.

The Mini Olympic Games were designed as inclusive sports and educational events, where the focus was not solely on results, but also on teamwork, mutual support, respect for fellow competitors, and the joy of taking part. Through these activities, children from communities with limited access to sports opportunities were given a space to be active, motivated, and engaged in a positive sporting environment.

Donation of Sports Equipment and School Supplies

As a lasting contribution of the project, the project partners donated sports equipment and school supplies to all participating schools. The donation included materials needed to support sports activities, physical education classes, and extracurricular school activities.

Through this donation, the schools received tangible support that will continue to serve them well beyond the project’s conclusion, providing students with ongoing access to sport, recreation, and activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle. The donation represents an important step toward improving the conditions for physical activity in rural communities and building a sustainable foundation for the further development of a sports culture among young people.

Education, Training, and School Capacity Building

In addition to the sports activities, the project included an educational component focused on introducing Olympic values into the school environment. Teachers and volunteers participated in activities designed to help them better understand and apply the principles of Olympic education in both classroom teaching and extracurricular activities. These sessions were led by an external expert from Lithuania, who guided teachers on how to incorporate Olympism and Olympic values across all subjects and areas of learning.

The goal was for students not only to engage in sport, but also to learn how the values of respect, friendship, equality, perseverance, and fair play can be applied in everyday life — at school, in sport, and in the wider community.

As part of the project, two of the three official handbooks published by the International Olympic Committee were translated and adapted, and made available to all participating schools as resources for continued use.

Lasting Impact on Young People and Local Communities

The project contributed to greater student participation in sports activities, stronger collaboration between schools, local communities, the Macedonian Olympic Committee and the NGOs sector, and the creation of a positive foundation for the further integration of Olympic education into the educational process.

Through the Mini Olympic Games, educational activities, and equipment donations, the project left a concrete and visible contribution in the schools and communities where it was implemented. In this way, the partners continue to advance the mission of the olympic spirit — making sport accessible, inspiring, and beneficial for every child, regardless of where they live.

MK OVEP_Playbook
MK OVEP Fundamentals

The Olympic Committee of North Macedonia successfully implemented a project dedicated to the development and advancement of sports diplomacy as a contemporary tool for international cooperation, regional connectivity, and the promotion of national values.

The project was funded by Olympic Solidarity, with the aim of strengthening the role of sport beyond its competitive context and harnessing its potential for building partnerships, cultural exchange, youth development, and international visibility.

A particular focus within the project was placed on the Sports Diplomacy Summit and on activities related to the European Youth Olympic Festival — EYOF Skopje 2025, the largest multi-sport event ever organized in North Macedonia.

Sports Diplomacy Summit – Sport as a Strategic Tool

The defining and most significant activity of the project was the organization of the National Summit “Sports Diplomacy: Policies, Practices, and Future Opportunities for the Strategic Use of Sport in Advancing National and Diplomatic Interests.”

The Summit took place in Skopje and brought together representatives from national Olympic committees across the Western Balkans, the diplomatic corps, international partners, national institutional representatives, the academic community, and sports stakeholders.

The event opened an important dialogue on the role of sport as a tool for diplomacy, regional cooperation, trust-building, economic development, tourism, and strengthening the international visibility of nations.

Two panel discussions were held as part of the Summit, during which participants explored the potential of sport to advance bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as its role in connecting countries across the region.

Particular emphasis was placed on the potential of sports diplomacy as a strategic instrument for developing sports systems, attracting investment, promoting tourism, and enhancing the credibility of Western Balkan countries.

Regional Hub for Sports Diplomacy

One of the most significant outcomes of the Summit was the signing of a declaration establishing the Regional Hub for Sports Diplomacy.

This initiative, led by the Olympic Committee of North Macedonia, united the Olympic committees of the Western Balkans within a shared platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and coordinated engagement on the European and international sports stage.

The establishment of the Hub represents an important step toward institutionalizing sports diplomacy in the region and creating a new mechanism for coordinated action, joint initiatives, and greater regional visibility.

EYOF Skopje 2025 – A Major Sports Event with Diplomatic Value

The project was closely linked to the organization of the European Youth Olympic Festival — EYOF Skopje 2025, which represented a historic milestone for North Macedonia.

EYOF Skopje 2025 brought together more than 4,300 young athletes, over 1,000 officials from 50 European delegations, and approximately 700 volunteers. The event was held at sports venues across Skopje and Kumanovo, positioning North Macedonia as the host of a major European sports festival.

Within the framework of the project, EYOF was utilized as a platform for sports diplomacy, international promotion, and institutional networking. The presence of European Olympic delegations, representatives of the European Olympic Committees, domestic institutions, and international guests created space for dialogue, cooperation, and new partnerships.

The opening ceremony of EYOF carried particular significance for national and international visibility. The cultural programme showcased Macedonia’s heritage, the energy of its youth, and the cultural identity of the host country.

The attendance of senior state representatives and representatives of the European Olympic movement confirmed the significance of the Festival as an event that transcends sport and becomes a platform for diplomatic, institutional, and cultural engagement.

Culture, Tourism, and Innovation Through Sport

As part of the project, partnerships were established with a number of national institutions, with the aim of leveraging EYOF as a broader platform for the promotion of North Macedonia.

Through sport, opportunities were created to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, tourism potential, local experiences, innovations, and contemporary ideas connected to the sports sector.

International guests and delegations had the opportunity to discover the cultural, touristic, and organizational strengths of the country, adding further value to the sporting event as an instrument of national promotion.

Youth Participation and Volunteering

One of the greatest strengths of EYOF Skopje 2025 was the active participation of young people.

Approximately 700 volunteers were involved in the organization, the majority of whom were young people. They made a significant contribution to the operational, logistical, and organizational delivery of the Festival.

Beyond their volunteering role, young people also participated in educational activities and workshops on topics including sustainability, waste management, the social role of sport, and youth participation.

In this way, EYOF was not merely a sporting event, but also a platform for learning, personal development, international experience, and the empowerment of young people within sport and society.

Lasting Legacy and Next Steps

Through the implementation of this project, the Olympic Committee of North Macedonia reaffirmed its role not only as a leader in the sports sector, but also as an active contributor to the development of sports diplomacy, regional cooperation, and international promotion.

The Sports Diplomacy Summit, the activities connected to EYOF Skopje 2025, the institutional partnerships established, and the active involvement of young people have together created a strong foundation for the continued development of this field.

The establishment of the Regional Hub for Sports Diplomacy marks the first collective step taken by all signatory partners. This initiative does not end with the signing of the declaration — it opens a new chapter of cooperation, experience-sharing, and the realization of many joint activities on the theme of sports diplomacy in the period ahead.

The project demonstrated that sport has the power to connect people, institutions, and nations. It can serve as a tool for dialogue, a platform for promotion, and a driver of positive change — both in the region and beyond.