28 May 2025 – IOC President Thomas Bach praised the unique role of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) in promoting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, as he joined athletes, officials and dignitaries in Andorra this week for the Opening Ceremony and first day of competition at the 20th edition of the event.
Held at the Andorra National Stadium, the Opening Ceremony set the tone for a memorable week of sport, culture and unity. More than 1,000 athletes from nine National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are competing across 19 disciplines from 26 to 31 May, in what also marks the 40th anniversary of the inaugural edition of the GSSE, held in San Marino in 1985.
In his address to the athletes and guests, Bach underlined the inclusive spirit of the GSSE and the impact of Europe’s smaller nations within the Olympic Movement:
This is the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe — a wonderful milestone for an event that began with a simple but powerful idea: that the joy of sport unites us all. In sport, everyone is equal, no matter who you are, or whether you come from a country that is big – or small. What really counts is a big heart and a great passion for sport. Thomas Bach – IOC President
“Always compete in the spirit of friendship, respect and fair play — because being a true champion is about so much more than winning. You show us what it means to live the Olympic values. You show us that sport always builds bridges — sport never erects walls.”
The ceremony paid tribute to Andorra’s cultural heritage, with artistic performances featuring the Tamarros – mythical guardians of the forests – and Water Women, symbolic spirits of Andorran lakes and springs. The Games’ cauldron was lit by two of the nation’s most celebrated athletes: steeplechase runner Nahuel Carabaña and canoe slalom Olympian Mònica Dòria, both of whom represented Andorra at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The GSSE were officially declared open by the Co-Prince of Andorra and Bishop of Seu d’Urgell Joan Enric Vives i Sicília. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Prime Minister of Andorra, Xavier Espot Zamora; European Olympic Committees (EOC) President and IOC Member Spyros Capralos; IOC members HSH the Princess Nora of Liechtenstein, Gunilla Lindberg and HSH the Sovereign Prince Albert II; Andorran Olympic Committee President Xavier Espot Miró; and several members of the Olympic Movement.
“It is with deep emotion and gratitude that I thank you all for the warmth and friendship you have shown me at every edition of these Games,” President Bach added.
It has always been a joy to be with you, because these Games are a true celebration of our Olympic values. In this Olympic spirit, let us enjoy these wonderful Games of the Small States of Europe in wonderful Andorra. Thomas Bach – IOC President
During his visit, the IOC President attended events in swimming, artistic gymnastics and 3×3 basketball, and joined the athletes for lunch in the dining hall — a tradition he has maintained at the Games throughout his presidency. He also presented the gold medals in the men’s artistic gymnastics final, as well as the swimming finals of the men’s 100m freestyle and the women’s 200m butterfly.
Parallel to the competitions, the IOC President met several NOC presidents and officials from the participating delegations. He also held a meeting with the Andorran Prime Minister. His programme included a visit to the NOC headquarters, where he highlighted the close cooperation between the IOC and its partners in supporting sports development in small nations. Throughout his visit, he was accompanied by the Andorran NOC President.
Later in the evening, during an official dinner with NOC presidents, ministers from the participating countries and the Andorran Prime Minister, President Bach paid tribute to the GSSE, held under the authority of the EOC, on the occasion of their 40th anniversary, and to the Andorran Olympic Committee, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. To honour these important milestones, he presented the IOC President’s Trophy to both the EOC and the Andorran Olympic Committee.
This year’s edition marks the third time that Andorra has hosted the Games, following previous editions in 1991 and 2005. The GSSE provide a vital platform for the NOCs of European countries with fewer than one million people — Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino — to shine on the continental stage and contribute to the Olympic Movement.
“For 40 years, the GSSE have provided a meaningful platform for athletes to create lasting memories,” said EOC President Spyros Capralos during the Opening Ceremony. “They may be small in size, but they are strong in spirit, with a big heart.”
