Skopje, 7 September 2024 (MIA) — A Macedonian team of young programmers won silver at the 36th International Olympiad in Informatics for high school students in Egypt on Sept. 1-8. 

The team consisted of Damjan Davkov from Shtip, Blagoj Rujanoski Stojanovski from Prilep, Viktor Maksimoski from Gostivar, and Sofija Velkovska from Skopje, led by their mentors Mile Jovanov and Emil Stankov from the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering in Skopje.

Davkov won the silver medal for the team, losing gold by only 9 points out of the possible 600 points in the competition. Blagoj Rujanoski Stojanovski won an Olympic commendation.

A total of 370 students from 96 countries took part in the international computer science competition, which is in its 36th year. It is considered the most prestigious computer science competition for secondary school and high school students around the world.

This was Egypt's second time hosting the event, following IOI 2008. 

The competition is supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO and the International Federation for Information Processing IFIP and organized by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

IOI aims to inspire students to develop an interest in computer science and information technology while fostering friendship among participants and experts in the field. The event brings together emerging talents and seasoned professionals to connect and collaborate, nurturing the next generation of software and IT experts.

Each country is represented by a team consisting of four students and two supervisors. Over two days, students individually tackle algorithmic challenges, aiming to secure top scores and bring home medals for their nations. The remaining IOI days are dedicated to cultural and recreational activities designed to strengthen bonds among participants and nurture a cooperative international community within the coding field. mr/