Prestigious Polish Awards for EOC President Capralos and ExCo Member Arat

European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Spyros Capralos and Chair of the European Games 2023 Coordination Commission Hasan Arat have been awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

President Capralos and Mr Arat were presented with the distinction by the Polish President Andrzej Duda at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw.

The award recognises the highly successful 3^rd European Games in Kraków-Małopolska in 2023, which President Duda opened one year ago on Friday (21 June).

During his speech at the award ceremony, President Capralos expressed his gratitude at being awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit, and thanked President Duda for his support for the European Games.

“It is a huge pleasure and privilege for us to be back in Poland, almost one year on from the great success of the 3^rd European Games in Kraków-Małopolska,” he said.

“This prestigious award is a recognition of our collective achievements, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to President Duda for his kind invitation.

“We were fortunate to have worked so closely with such a supportive head of state, and I hope you are as proud of last year’s European Games as we are. And of course not to forget the whole-hearted support of the Polish Government, the Polish Olympic Committee, the authorities in Kraków and Małopolska and the Organising Committee.”

One year on from Kraków-Małopolska 2023, 118 athletes who earned direct qualification or NOC quota places during the European Games in Poland are now finalising their preparations for the Olympic Games in Paris.

Organisers delivered a sustainable and affordable model for the European Games through the use of existing facilities and temporary venues, and there were several innovations including the addition of padel, teqball and esports for a more urban and youth-focused sports programme, and competition video highlights which could be used directly by athletes and National Olympic Committees on social media. The financial success of the European Games has enabled the EOC to share a surplus with participating National Olympic Committees in order to continue their investment in European athletes.

President Capralos reflected on the success of Kraków-Małopolska 2023, and expressed his hope that the 2027 edition in Istanbul will build on its momentum and legacy.

“At a time when many organisers are facing difficulties with multi-sport events, Poland showed it is possible to deliver a successful Games which benefits the host nation and international athletes alike. With a legacy that still endures, a generation of young Polish athletes have been inspired by the Games and they now have access to world-class facilities, having been refurbished for the Games,” President Capralos said.

“Earlier this month, Istanbul was confirmed as the host city for the 2027 Games having been inspired by Krakow-Malopolska.

“We are very confident they will follow Poland’s lead and deliver a memorable and successful event.”

Spyros Capralos receiving the distinction by the Polish President Andrzej Duda at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw

Hasan Arat receiving the distinction by the Polish President Andrzej Duda at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw

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