The European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023 officially ended with the extinguishing of the Flame of Peace during the Closing Ceremony at the Henryk Reyman Stadium in Krakow.
The celebration brought 12 days of competitive and entertaining action in Poland to an end in style as thousands of fans celebrated the success of Europe’s largest multi-sport event.
After an uplifting performance from Mala Armia Janosika, the largest and youngest children’s band in Poland, athletes from all 48 competing countries paraded on the pitch to applause and cheers from the spectators in the stands.
Following more performances from local Polish musicians and dancers and speeches from the Marshall of the Malopolska region, Witold Kozlowski, Jacek Majchrowski, Mayor of Krakow, and European Olympic Committees President (EOC) Spyros Capralos, the ceremony closed with a fiesta of music and fireworks above the stadium.
Reflecting on the Games, President Capralos said that they have exceeded the expectations of Europe and thanked Poland for the wonderful job that they have done as hosts.
President Capralos said: “These Games have been an outstanding success. They have exceeded all our expectations. The EOC’s expectations and those of our National Olympic Committees and the athletes. We heard so many positive comments from throughout the European Olympic Family about the warm hospitality and the quality of the venues and operational delivery.
“In spite of the challenges, Poland has demonstrated its capacity to deliver a world-class project. The result is that the athletes are happy and these conditions have allowed them to perform at their best. We have seen some incredible performances from the very best athletes in our continent.
“Thank you, on behalf of all of us in this stadium and the millions who have watched you on global television and social media with joy and admiration. Thank you for competing in the spirit of friendship and unity that is the mark of these Games
“Thank you to each of our wonderful local partners. Thank you, especially, to the volunteers. You embody this spirit of Poland. Your smiles and your help have made all the difference. Thank you for your precious time.
“Finally, thank you to the people of Poland to whom I must say thank you so much. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.”
The third edition of the European Games was notable for the diversity of medallists, with 41 of the 48 National Olympic Committees present claiming at least one medal.
Italy ended up top of the medal table winning 35 golds and 100 medals in total, while 118 qualification spots for Paris were claimed across 10 of the 26 sports on show.
Eight of those sports were on the European Games programme for the first time, while a groundbreaking rights agreement with the European Broadcasting Union saw athletes, National Olympic Committees and the member federations able to download highlights and post them directly to social media, reinforcing the Games status as a driver of innovation.
Witold Kozłowski, Marshal of Malopolska, emphasised the impact the event has had in his region over the 12 days of competition.
Marshal Kozlowski said: “Speaking personally I could see how moved the athletes were when receiving their medals. I could see people enjoying themselves in the audience, and there were plenty of them. The whole region has come to life thanks to this event.
“A host truly wants the visitors to leave happy and satisfied with a sense of having participated in a family meeting of sorts. From what I’ve heard, opinions of athletes and coaches have been really quite positive.”
Hasan Arat, Chair of the EOC Coordination Commission for the European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023 highlighted the many innovations introduced in Krakow-Malopolska and thanked his Polish counterparts for their partnership.
Mr Arat said: “Together with our Polish partners we achieved so much in such a short period of time. And it is not yet over. The legacy for the region begins now.
“The model that we have used is paving the way for a new era of responsible Games.”
President of the Organising Committee Marcin Nowak called the Games the biggest sports event ever held in Poland and praised the standard of venues used.
President Nowak said: “We have created the biggest sports event in the history of Poland. This is the biggest event in 2023, and I deeply believe that since the London 2012 Olympics it has been the biggest sports event organised in Europe.
“It would not have been possible without the team that we have been working with over the past year. That year has meant a lot of hard work, work in difficult conditions but before the event we knew these Games would turn out to be a great success at a Polish, European and international level.
“This event has shown to Poles, Europeans and the whole world that Poland can organise the highest-quality sport events. The arenas that you have seen are at least as good, or maybe even better, than what you might see at the Olympics!”
