Member Associations | 18 Jun 2024

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 3rd 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.

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.

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.”