The European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023 officially began with a stunning Opening Ceremony at the Henryk Reyman Stadium on Wednesday night.

Thousands of fans were in attendance as live performances thrilled the crowd, athletes from the 48 competing countries paraded their flags around the stadium and the flame of peace lit the European Games cauldron following a torch relay that began at the Ara Pacis in Rome on 3 April.

Three-time and reigning Olympic hammer throw champion Anita Włodarczyk, former Olympic champion in Modern Pentathlon Janusz Pyciak Peciak and Polish amputee footballer and winner of the FIFA Puskas award Marcin Oleksy were chosen to light the cauldron at the end of the memorable show. Fellow Poles Robert Korzeniowski, Mają Włoszczowska, Dawid Tomala, Marian Woronin and Zygmunt Smalcerz carried the flame around the stadium ahead of the lighting.

Polish artists Tribbs and Roxie Węgiel and Ukrainian hip-hop band Kalush, famous for winning the 2022 Eurovision competition, were among the performers to entertain the spectators on a warm Krakow evening.

The ceremony showcased the forming of the Republic of Poland, before celebrating famous Polish figures and sports stars from throughout the history of the country.

President of the Republic of Poland, Andrezj Duda, European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos, Marshal of the Malopolska Voivodship, Witold Kozlowski, Mayor of Krakow, Jacek Majchrowksi and Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin all made speeches during the event, while International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach spoke to the crowd via a video message.

Addressing the athletes in attendance at the Ceremony, President Capralos said: “For many of you, the great conditions here in Krakow and throughout the Malopolska region will help you to achieve a personal best. For some of you, your performances will earn you a place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“But all of you will have the chance to experience something very special, that goes beyond sport. You have the chance to live together as thousands of young Europeans, side by side, in peaceful celebration. Thank you, Poland, for making this possible!

“I would like to say a very special welcome to the team from Ukraine. We are all very happy to see you here. The European Olympic Committees are proud of having been the first to support you.”

IOC President Bach said: “Hopefully these European Games will be a stepping stone for many of you on your journey to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 – I wish you every success on your road to Paris.

“Sport must always bring people together in peaceful competition. Today I encourage you to live our Olympic motto in everything you do: Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together. All the very best to all of you.”