Record entries for Istanbul 2025 European Para Youth Games

More than 1,200 participants, including nearly 650 athletes, will take part in a record-breaking European Para Youth Games (EPYG) in Istanbul, Türkiye, between 24-28 July. 

Para athletes, coaches and National Paralympic Committee representatives from 33 countries will compete in nine sports, also the largest ever programme.  

Para Archery, Para athletics, boccia, goalball, Para judo, Para swimming, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo and wheelchair basketball will all feature in the competition which runs from 23-27 July. The Opening Ceremony takes place on 24 July. 

Six countries - Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Georgia, North Macedonia and Ukraine will make their EPYG debut. 

As well as the sporting action, athletes, teams, spectators and those following on digital platforms will have the opportunity to experience the Discovery Programme where they can collaborate and connect with nearly 20 organisations across a variety of topics, as well as experiencing Para sport for themselves. Activities include come and try sessions in sports, city activations and the delivery of expertise for athletes and coaches in areas such as classification, mental health and wellbeing, clean sport, media training and safeguarding, as well as connecting with Paralympians from the European Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council and outreach carried out by institutional partners. 

The local community in Istanbul is already getting behind the delivery of Türkiye's first multi-sport Games for Para athletes. An incredible 2,000 people applied to volunteer at the event for just 300 positions supporting teams, sports, protocol, venue and logistics. 

European Paralympic Committee President, Raymon Blondel, said: “These wonderful results are very encouraging for our ambition for Istanbul 2025 to break new ground for the seventh edition of Europe’s biggest multisport Games for aspiring Para athletes. The EPYG has grown from just over 260 competitors from 13 countries in 2011 and continues to cement itself as one of the leading platforms for the growth and development of Para sport in the region. 

“With the Discovery Programme, which builds on educational efforts carried out previously, the EPYG will achieve a longer-term impact on and off the field of play, and is a vehicle for the personal, social and professional development of athletes, Members and teams, LOCs and local communities. 

“We are grateful to the entire community, in particular the Local Organising Committee, National Paralympic Committees, International Federations, the European Union and the Erasmus+ programme and the European Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council, for supporting and driving this progress. We can’t wait to see everyone grow, aspire and play in July.” 

President of the Turkish National Paralympic Committee, Dr. Att. Murat Aksu, said: 

“We are truly delighted and proud to host the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul. This event is not only a platform for our young Para athletes to showcase their talents, but also a valuable opportunity to share the spirit and values of the Paralympic movement, and to strengthen solidarity and inclusivity across Europe. As Türkiye, we remain committed to supporting the growth and development of our Paralympic family, inspiring young athletes, and helping them realize their full potential. 

“We firmly believe that the young Para athletes we will welcome in Istanbul will go on to become the champions of the future, representing their countries and Europe with pride at the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games. Being part of their journey is a great honour and a source of motivation for both our country and the European Paralympic movement. 

“At the same time, we are excited to share the vibrant energy, cultural richness, and hospitality of Istanbul with all participants. We believe in the unifying power of sport, and we warmly invite all athletes, coaches, volunteers, and sports enthusiasts to join us in this celebration. Together, we will shape the future of Paralympic sport and create new success stories. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Istanbul.” 

Competition at the Istanbul 2025 EPYG begins on 23 July before the official opening on 24 July at the Cebeci Sport Complex and Enka Athletics Field. The Discovery Programme will begin on 22 July at the team accommodation before the ‘Fun Zone’ for experiencing sports and partner promotion and outreach opens on 25 July, with activities and awareness-raising for all participants and the people of Istanbul continuing across venues, the city and on digital platforms until 26 July. The Closing Ceremony will take place on 27 July, the last day of competition. 

Tickets for Istanbul 2025 are available via the official website: https://istanbul2025.org.tr/tickets/