The EOC shares its warm congratulations with President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, who received the Olympic Order in Gold from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Krakow.
The Olympic Order is the highest honour granted by the IOC to individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the Olympic cause through their contribution to the development of sport. The IOC expressed thanks to President Duda for being a man who “shares and supports our vision of building a better and more peaceful world through sport.”
President Duda continues to be highly supportive of the European Games Krakow Malopolska 2023, which is set to create a sustainable blueprint for the future hosting of Europe’s premier multisport event. Speaking in December 2021 about the potential impact of the European Games in Poland, President Duda said, “Not only will the most eminent athletes come to visit us, but thanks to the European Games, many sports and communication facilities will be modernised.”
Following President Duda’s receipt of the Olympic Order, EOC President Spyros Capralos said, “President Duda is a passionate advocate of the role of sport in advancing society and he is highly deserving of this prestigious award from the IOC. We are delighted that the European Games will be held in Poland next year, and thanks to the leadership of President Duda and his outstanding colleagues working on the delivery of the Games, Poland will set an example of how to sustainably host major sports events.
“Poland has a long history of success in sports competitions, as well as in hosting international events, and I am fully confident that the European Games will shape a positive future for the next generation of athletes in the sport-loving country.”
