European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos and Chair of the European Games 2023 Coordination Commission Hasan Arat have been awarded honorary citizenship of Malopolska following the successful hosting of the Europe’s premier multisport event.
Marshal of the Malopolska region, Witold Kozlowski, awarded President Capralos his citizenship during the 52nd EOC General Assembly in Istanbul, while Mr Arat was handed his award during the European Sports Tourism Congress in Katowice from 26-28 September 2023.
The European Games were held in June and July in Krakow and across the Malopolska region of Poland, leaving a lasting legacy in Poland, showcased by their expression of interest in hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2036.
President Capralos expressed his honour at being awarded the citizenship and thanked Marshal Kozlowski for bestowing it on him and Mr Arat.
President Capralos said: “It is a huge honour to be awarded the honorary citizenship of the Malopolska region following the successful hosting of the European Games in the region.
“Throughout the organisation period and during the event, the organising committee and the local authorities were a pleasure to deal with and showed a great commitment to the Games and to the European Olympic Family.
“We were always welcomed warmly by the Polish people and their love for sport was clear for us to see. I look forward to returning to the region in the future, where we have made friends for life.”
Mr Arat echoed the President’s thoughts when he received his award in Katowice, thanking the people of Malopolska for their contribution and welcome.
Mr Arat said: “It is an honour for me to receive honorary citizenship of the Malopolska region from Marshal Witold Kozłowski. Thank you to the people of Malopolska and the people of Poland for their huge contribution to the success of the European Games.
“Not only did Poland prove that they are able to host large multi-sport events, the people of Poland showed their kindness and warmth as they welcomed athletes from all over Europe to their country. I will always look forward to returning to Poland in the future.”
