Excitement is building for next week’s European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, and now the event has an official anthem to match the occasion. Can’t Stop the Move, created by music agency MassiveMusic and performed by rising Dutch singer Eline Esmee, has been unveiled as the championship’s official song. This infectious anthem is set to reverberate through the stadium in Apeldoorn, inspiring athletes and fans alike.
Music has the power to unite, inspire and elevate moments, and Can’t Stop the Move does just that. The song’s energetic rhythm and uplifting lyrics encapsulate the essence of athletics—the drive to push boundaries, the spirit of perseverance, and the sheer joy of movement. The Netherlands has a deep-rooted love for both sport and music, and Apeldoorn—known for its vibrant cultural scene and sporting enthusiasm—is the perfect host city for such an electrifying competition.
For Eline Esmee, the opportunity to perform the official song of the Championships is a dream come true. As she explains, “Since I was little, I’ve loved performing. The bigger the stage, the better. Singing for a crowd, feeling that energy—it’s the best thing in the world.”
Esmee is fully aware that her role at the Championships is different from a traditional music concert. “People are not there for the music. They are there for the athletes,” she says. “At a sports event, you’re more there to give atmosphere, to bring the vibes for the crowd instead of just performing. Can’t Stop the Move really helps with that—it’s about energy, movement and getting people hyped up.”
The song’s lyrics reflect the journey of an athlete—the highs and lows, the relentless training and the determination to push forward. “Your life is full of highs and lows, and especially when you’re an athlete, you train every day, seven days a week, for maybe just one minute of competition,” says Esmee. “You can be first, but you can also be last. You have to withstand those highs and lows. And when you fall down, you get back up and try again. That’s the same in life.”
Christian Milz, CEO of European Athletics, believes Can’t Stop the Move is a perfect fit for the Championships. “We wanted a song that represented the vision of the Apeldoorn team, and we feel Can’t Stop the Move fits this perfectly. The event is about ‘Moving People,’ and this song reflects the Dutch culture in a positive way. We are looking forward to hearing it in the stadium throughout the Championships.”
Peter Sanderson, Head of Communications at European Athletics, echoes that sentiment. “The official song of the European Championships truly encapsulates the magic of athletics and the rich culture of the Dutch people. It beautifully portrays the journey of the athlete—the dedication, the passion and the triumphs—while also creating a deep emotional connection between the event and the public.”
For Esmee, music and sport are inseparable. “I think sports is nothing without music, and music is nothing without sports,” she says. “They go hand in hand. When you’re training, you almost always have music on—it hypes you up, gives you motivation. If the tempo is right, it makes you run faster, work harder. Music brings up emotions, excitement, happiness—it’s such a big part of the experience.”
As Apeldoorn prepares to welcome Europe’s best athletes, Can’t Stop the Move will be the soundtrack to a festival of sport, culture and camaraderie. Fans can already watch the official music video online, getting a taste of the energy and excitement that awaits when the Championships begin. When the athletes take to the track and the song fills the stadium, the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships will truly be an event to remember.