The main Athletes’ Village of the European Games Kraków-Malopolska 2023 opened today in Kraków with a Welcome Ceremony attended by Mr Hasan Arat, Chair of the EOC Coordination Commission for the Games, alongside Marcin Nowak, President of the local Organising Committee.

The pair were joined by Games mascots Krakusek and Sandra as well as the first athlete arrivals among the European National Olympic Committees participating in the Games, which will open on 21 June.

During the informal ceremony, four-time Olympic champion Robert Korzeniowski was officially named Mayor of the Athletes’ Village. The Polish race-walking legend, who achieved four gold medals across the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, was handed a ceremonial key to the Village to formally commemorate his new status.

Korzeniowski, who trained in Kraków throughout much of his athletics career, will live in the Village for the duration of the Games, with a mission to encourage a spirit of togetherness and ensure athletes from around Europe feel comfortable and at home.

The Welcome celebration took place on the outdoor stage in the main recreation area of the Village, where a full programme of concerts and entertainment will run for athletes throughout the 10 days of competition. The venue itself is based in an existing student campus in a quiet and green district of the city, located just a short walk from the Kraków Old Town.

Addressing the athletes gathered for the welcome, Korzeniowski said:

“I hope that, together, we can create a real community with the 48 National Olympic Committees as well as the EOC Refugee Team. The facilities here are truly magnificent and I hope, also, that you will come to remember this Village as a key place in your careers, especially for those of you looking to book your qualification for Paris 2024.”

Mr Arat, who is also a member of the EOC Executive Committee, said:

“The athletes are the Games; the Games are the athletes. We know the Athletes’ Village will be the heartbeat of Kraków-Malopolska 2023, where lifelong friendships will be made. This is what I wish for all of you, along with the very best of luck!”