European Capital of Sport Tallinn 2025 aims to create a lasting impact
Tallinn, as the European Capital of Sport 2025, aims to generate positive and lasting value throughout its title year, encouraging residents to be more active and lead healthier lives.
Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski highlighted that the city has been collaborating both internationally and domestically in preparation for the European Capital of Sport year, involving sports federations and organizations, as well as Tallinn's districts and departments, along with neighboring municipalities.“International competitions, including championship events, are undoubtedly important, but even more crucial is organizing events for the people of Tallinn. We are not focused on hosting one-off glamorous events that are over in a flash. Instead, we aim to create positive and lasting value. This applies to investments, but more broadly, we seek to inspire residents to be more active and live healthier lives,” said the mayor.
The European Capital of Sport Tallinn 2025 program consists of five levels: the main sports capital program, international major competitions, events organized by districts and departments, events aimed at schoolchildren, and events organized by sports clubs.
The core program of European Capital of Sport Tallinn 2025 can be envisioned as a stadium track with 12 lanes, each representing a themed month. In January, the focus will be on skiing, in February on biathlon, in March on ice sports, in April on hiking and Nordic walking, in May on running, in June on cycling, in July on beach sports, in August on ball games, in September on orienteering, in October on fitness, in November on mind sports, and in December on disc golf.
Tallinn also emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that the European Sports Capital reaches all target groups. “Through our program, we aim to involve people who have been sidelined or left behind in terms of physical activity,” Ossinovski noted, referring to seniors, those distant from sports, and people with special needs.
People with special needs often face lower awareness and are viewed as separate from the wider sports world. Tallinn, in cooperation with the Estonian Paralympic Committee, aims to change this by integrating parasports into the core sports capital program. This means that Tallinn will not organize separate events for people with special needs but will include them in the sports capital events alongside other participants.
Cross-country skiing on artificial snow at the Song Festival Grounds
Although Tallinn will officially launch its year as the European Capital of Sport on January 18, the first signs of the title year can be experienced as soon as the first frosts arrive. In collaboration with the Estonian Ski Association, Tallinn will open a winter park at the Song Festival Grounds, creating a new venue for cross-country skiing on artificial snow.
“Tallinn's Song Festival Grounds have immense potential, which we could use more effectively. Sometimes, opportunities arise almost by chance. Two years ago, we hosted a World Cup cross-country sprint event at the Song Festival Grounds, and after the competition, the track was opened to the public. It was a huge success,” recalled Deputy Mayor for Sports Kaarel Oja.
“This time, we are taking the project more seriously in collaboration with the Ski Association. The Song Festival Grounds will have its own track groomer, and as soon as the first frosts arrive, we will start producing snow. The Ski Association will need snow for the World Cup event on March 19, but we decided to extend the snow-making period and start earlier,” added Oja.
Starting this week, three snow cannons are on standby at the Song Festival Grounds, ready for sub-zero temperatures. A 0.7 km loop will be created using artificial snow, which will be extended to 2 km if natural snow allows.
In addition, the European Capital of Sport will open mobile orienteering courses in 20 parks and the Old Town in 2025. The popular "Open Stadiums" project, where residents can use local stadiums during school holidays, will also continue, with opportunities to start sports activities during the upcoming autumn break.
International Children's Games
One of the major events of the European Capital of Sport year will be the 57th International Children's Games, held in Tallinn from August 3 to 8, 2025.
The Games, organized since 1968, are open to young athletes aged 12–15. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the Games are the largest multi-sport event for this age group.
The International Children's Games will bring around 1,000 participants from 70 cities worldwide to Tallinn. The Estonian School Sport Union will be a key partner in organizing the event, and the Games’ patron is Olympic champion and world discus throw champion Gerd Kanter.
The competitions will feature seven sports: football, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, athletics, swimming, judo, and fencing.
The broader goal of the International Children's Games is to raise awareness among schoolchildren about different cultures and to provide them with opportunities to build international connections through sport and friendship.
Sports facilities to be completed in Tallinn in 2025:
- KRISTIINE: Street workout area and playground (Kirsi 8a)
- HAABERSTI: Pump track at Kakumäe beach
- MUSTAMÄE: Outdoor fitness area and street football court (Tammsaare tee 139a)
- PÕHJA-TALLINN: Ball courts at the Pelguranna/Stroomi beach park square
- KESKLINN: Pump track (under the Pärnu maantee viaduct)
- NÕMME: Multifunctional ball courts at the Nõmme Gümnaasium school yard
- LASNAMÄE: Street football court (Läänemere 14)
- PIRITA: Multifunctional ball courts (Pähkli 15)
- 28.01 – 02.02 European Figure Skating Championships
- 13.02 – 16.02 Curling Mixed Doubles World Cup
- 19.03 Cross-Country Skiing World Cup
- 08.03 – 09.03 Simple Session
- 28.03 – 11.04 European Pool Championships
- 26.04 – 02.05 Ice Hockey World Championship Division I B tournament
- 28.04 – 04.05 European Taekwondo Championships
- 17.05 The Maijooks Run
- 04.06 – 08.06 European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
- 17.07 – 20.07 Disc Golf Major Tour
- 03.08 – 08.08 International Children's Games
- 08.08 – 16.08 Offshore Sailing World Championships
- 23.08 – 24.08 IRONMAN Tallinn
- 12.09 – 14.09 Tallinn Marathon
- 12.09 – 14.09 Tallinn International Horse Show