Tallinn will host the 57th International Children’s Games (ICG) from 4–7 August. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the ICG is considered the most important multi-sport event for 12–15-year-olds.

Over the years, many athletes who later reached the top levels of sport have taken part in this major competition.

One of them is Lithuanian swimmer Rūta Meilutytė, who participated in the 2010 Games in Bahrain and won three medals. Just two years later, at age 15, she became an Olympic champion in London.

“The 2010 International Children’s Games were my first major competition. It was also the first time I’d ever flown on a plane. It was a huge honour to represent Lithuania at such an important event. The experience gave me a massive boost to keep swimming, because I enjoyed it so much,” Meilutytė recalled.

The opening ceremony of the 57th International Children’s Games will take place on Monday, 4 August at 19:00 at Kalev Stadium.

All events are free to attend. The full ICG Tallinn 2025 schedule can be found here.

Athletes who have participated in the International Children’s Games

Tina Maze (alpine skiing, Slovenia)

The skier who competed at the 1998 ICG Winter Games in Maribor went on to win two gold and two silver Olympic medals. She became world champion four times and also holds five World Championship silvers and 81 World Cup podiums.

Rūta Meilutytė (swimming, Lithuania)

After competing in the 2010 ICG in Manama, Meilutytė stunned the sports world by winning Olympic gold in the 100 m breaststroke at just 15 years old, becoming Lithuania’s youngest Olympic champion. She has won five World Championship golds, two silvers, and a bronze, along with a total of 27 medals from senior international competitions.

Kathryn Plummer (volleyball, USA)

Plummer took part in the 2013 ICG in Windsor and later helped the US national team win a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has also won several titles during her club career in Italy.

Kylie Masse (swimming, Canada)

A participant in the 2009 ICG in Athens, Masse has earned two silver and three bronze Olympic medals across Rio, Tokyo, and Paris. In total, she has won 35 medals at major international competitions. Her 100 m backstroke time of 57.70 places her third in the all-time rankings.

Daphne van Domselaar (football, Netherlands)

After competing in the 2014 ICG in Lake Macquarie, van Domselaar became a member of the Dutch national team and now plays for Arsenal. This year, she won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the London club.