From July 21 to 28, 2025, Türkiye will host the European Para Youth Games (EPYG) — a multi-sport Paralympic event held for the first time in our country. This major international event, to be held in Istanbul, marks the seventh edition of the Games organized by the European Paralympic Committee and will be the largest EPYG ever in terms of participation.
This year, over 1,200 participants — including 700 athletes from 31 countries — will compete in 9 sports: Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Goalball, Para Judo, Para Taekwondo, Para Athletics, Para Swimming, Para Archery (to be held for the first time at the Games), and Para Table Tennis. Competitions will take place at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Cebeci Sports Complex, with athletics events held at the ENKA Athletics Track.
EPYG 2025 will go beyond just sports competitions. Athletes and teams will also take part in the Discovery Program, organized with the support of nearly 20 national and international institutions. This program includes activities and workshops in areas such as education, mental health, clean sport, media training, and safe environments — offering athletes valuable learning and sharing opportunities. Participants will also have the chance to meet members of the European Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council and other key stakeholders.
For the first time, countries such as Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, and Ukrainewill be joining EPYG. The local community in Istanbul has shown great interest in the event; volunteer applications poured in from across Türkiye, and over 2,000 people applied for just 200 volunteer positions.
European Paralympic Committee President Raymon Blondel stated:
“We believe Istanbul 2025 will mark a new chapter in the history of Europe’s largest multi-sport Paralympic Youth Games. When EPYG began in 2011, it welcomed 260 athletes from 13 countries. Today, it has become one of the most vital platforms for the development and growth of Paralympic sport in our region. Through the Discovery Program, we aim to support not only athletic performance but also the personal, social, and professional development of athletes and communities. We thank all stakeholders, especially the Local Organizing Committee. We can’t wait to welcome all our athletes, coaches, and volunteers this July.”
President of the Turkish National Paralympic Committee, Dr. Murat AKSU, added:
“We are incredibly proud and honored to host the European Para Youth Games in Istanbul. This event is more than a platform for young Paralympic athletes to showcase their talents — it is a meaningful opportunity to spread the spirit and values of the Paralympic movement, and to strengthen solidarity and inclusion across Europe. As Türkiye, we are committed to supporting the growth of our Paralympic family, inspiring young athletes, and helping them reach their full potential. At the same time, we are proud that this event aligns with our ongoing bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games — a vision that this tournament strongly supports. We firmly believe that the young athletes we welcome in Istanbul will be the champions proudly representing their countries and Europe at the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games. Being part of their journey is a great honor and motivation for our nation and the European Paralympic movement. We are also excited to share Istanbul’s vibrant energy, rich culture, and hospitality with all participants. Believing in the unifying power of sport, we invite all athletes, coaches, volunteers, and sports fans to join us in this remarkable gathering. Together, we will shape the future of Paralympic sport and write new stories of success. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Istanbul!”
