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Tallinn signs cooperation agreement for hosting International Children's Games

Tallinn signs cooperation agreement for hosting International Children's Games

Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart and the President of the International Children’s Games, Igor Topole, today signed a cooperation agreement to host the International Children's Games in Tallinn in August 2025.

Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart noted that organizing the International Children's Games, under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, during the year Tallinn is the European Capital of Sport is a great honor. "This is a high-priority international sports event for children, whose success depends on the contribution of both parties. Tallinn aims to ensure that the games hosted here are organized at a high level and offer participants an inspiring and unforgettable experience," said the mayor.

"Our goal in the year as the European Capital of Sport is to organize a variety of sports events and activities throughout the year, offering exciting moments for athletes and spectators alike, and naturally, joy and opportunities for physical activity for all citizens," emphasized the mayor. "Investing in youth sports is particularly important, as it is at a young age that sporting and healthy habits are formed, influencing a person’s lifelong choices. School-aged children will gain international competition experience at the Children's Games and the opportunity to test themselves," Kõlvart added.

Igor Topole stated that the entire International Children's Games community is thrilled about the opportunity to come to Tallinn. "Today 's signing is a symbolic act between two parties who are going hand in hand bringing children from around the globe to Tallinn and organize unforgettable experiences for them: to have a chance to compete in an Olympic and in a fair-play manner with other athletes from so many different countries and continents and to make friends with all of them."

The International Children's Games will bring approximately 1,500 participants from various countries around the world to Tallinn. The city has the Estonian School Sport Union as a partner in organizing the games.

Gerd Kanter, President of the Estonian School Sport Union, added that the union is pleased that Tallinn has decided to give a significant place to international youth games in its European Capital of Sport program. “I am confident that together we can organize excellent games that will provide a memorable experience for both our own youth and foreign visitors,” said Kanter.

International Children's Games have been organized by different cities since 1968, where school children aged 12-15 from around the world compete against each other. Tallinn was awarded the rights to host the 2025 games at the end of last year.

Last year, 1,900 schoolchildren from 90 cities in 25 countries participated in the games held in Daegu, South Korea. This year, a delegation of young athletes from Tallinn will participate in the games in León, Mexico, planning to compete in the following sports: 3x3 basketball, tennis, swimming, taekwondo, and volleyball.

The International Children's Games will take place in Tallinn from August 3 to August 8, 2025. More information about the games can be found on the website https://icgames.org/.