Dear colleagues,

Dear friends,

In the months since we were together at the European Games, it has been right to acknowledge all that we have achieved this year. I know that my fellow Executive Committee members and I share a great pride in the European Olympic family’s achievements this year, and I very much hope you do too.

Following the COVID pandemic we have all faced the most intense period that the EOC has faced. In two years, we have played a role in the success of at least eight major sporting events sanctioned by the IOC or EOC. I know this has placed great stress both financially and on personnel in your organisations, but you should also feel great satisfaction in your efforts and results.

Throughout the summer we have seen outstanding performances by our young athletes with many forging a clear path to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which is now just 10 months away. It certainly was not easy to create a shortlist for the summer edition of the Piotr Nurowski Prize for the best European young athlete and choosing the winner will be even tougher.

We have very much to look forward to the running to the first of two major Olympic Games on the continent for 12 years, this will for sure encourage our athletes and our efforts to ensure we continue Europe’s leadership in the medal table as in recent editions of the Games.

In the past month we have also supported and celebrated the ninth European Week of Sport. The Week is a fantastic EU Commission initiative encouraging all Europeans to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle. The EOC engaged in a variety of projects and I’d like to thank all those NOCs who also got involved.

Finally, we will come together in Istanbul next week for the General Assembly, which is always an excellent opportunity to share and learn from each other. We have a packed agenda and important discussions ahead of us.

One of the key things we will discuss in Istanbul will be the European Games. As Europe’s premier multi-sport event we all have a responsibility to ensure the success and longevity of the Games. We have seen this week the success of the Games has given Poland the confidence to express its interest in hosting the Olympic Games 2036, which would be a wonderful legacy for the European Games. I urge you all to engage and be active with the discussions to ensure the Games continue to meet the needs of your NOCs and your athletes.

See you in Istanbul!

With EurOlympic greetings,

Spyros Capralos

EOC President