From 4 to 7 August, Tallinn will host the 57th International Children’s Games (ICG). Recognised by the International Olympic Committee, the ICG is the world’s largest multi-sport event for 12–15-year-olds, where teams representing cities compete against each other.

More than 1,000 young athletes from 70 cities and 29 countries will arrive in Tallinn, the European Capital of Sport, to compete in seven disciplines: athletics, swimming, 3x3 basketball, football, beach volleyball, fencing and judo. Estonia will be represented by the cities of Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu and Sillamäe.

The Olympic-style opening ceremony of the International Children’s Games will take place on Monday, 4 August at 19:00 at Kalev Stadium.

Historically, the ICG has served as a springboard for many future Olympians. Among them was Lithuanian swimmer Rūta Meilutytė, who competed in the 2010 Games and went on to become an Olympic champion in London 2012.

Other notable ICG alumni include two-time Olympic alpine skiing champion and four-time world champion Tina Maze, Canadian swimmer Kylie Masse with five Olympic medals and three world titles, world discus champion Andrius Gudžius, and UEFA Women’s Champions League winner Daphne van Domselaar.

The broader mission of the Games, recognised by the International Olympic Committee, is to foster cross-cultural understanding among schoolchildren and to give young people the chance to build international friendships through sport and the Olympic spirit.

Check out the full competition schedule on the ICG Tallinn 2025 website.