The Flame of Peace for the European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023 has been lit at a ceremony at the Ara Pacis attended by President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Spyros Capralos.

Multiple Polish Olympic champions Robert Korzeniowski and Anita Wlodarczyk were given the honour of being the torch bearer of the ceremony ahead of Europe’s premier multi-sport event being held in Poland between 21 June and 2 July 2023. It will be the largest multi-sport event the country has hosted.

President Capralos presented President Duda with the historic Golden Olive Tree, which Poland will house during the event before handing it back to the EOC in Rome once the Closing Ceremony finishes. The Olive Tree is a symbol of peace, representing the core values of the European Games, and is handed to all Organising Committees for the duration of the event. President Duda accompanied both the Olive Tree and the box holding the Flame of Peace following the ceremony on their journey to Poland aboard the presidential plane.

President Capralos heralded the importance of holding the symbolic ceremony at the Ara Pacis during his speech to the gathered delegates and thanked President Duda for hosting the third edition of the Games in Poland.

President Capralos said: “When we come together in Poland, it will be under the banner of ‘We Are Unity’. So it is fitting that the symbolic journey of the flame starts here, at the Ara Pacis, this lasting symbol and celebration of peace. This shall be the spirit of our work in the coming weeks and throughout our time in Poland.

“For two weeks, Poland will be at the heart of European sport. Many of the competitions will be a step on the way to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and we will see athletes fulfil their lifelong dreams of becoming an Olympian in Poland.

“The eyes of Europe will be turned to Poland and I have no doubt they will deeply appreciate what they see, thanks to the hard work of everyone that is involved in these Games.”

Amongst the many Polish, Italian and international authorities, EOC Coordination Commission Chair Hasan Arat, EOC Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi, EOC Vice President Daina Gudzinevičiūtė, EOC Executive Committee Members Zlatko Matesa and Mihai Covaliu, Polish Olympic Committee President Andrzej Kraśnicki, Italian Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi and Marshal of the Małopolska Region Witold Kozlowski were also all in attendance at the ceremony.

About the Olive Tree and The Ara Pacis
The Ara Pacis in Rome was built in 9 B.C. by Emperor Augustus to honour the values of Peace and Brotherhood.

The European Games are a celebration of hope, peace, and the best of humanity, following the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship and respect. This is emphasised by the motto for Kraków-Małopolska: “We Are Unity”.

All of this is represented by the Flame of Peace and the presentation of the historic Golden Olive Tree. In the Ancient Olympic Games there were no medals or torch relay. Instead, winning athletes were presented with branches and olive tree wreaths.

About the European Games
The third edition of the European Games will take place between 21 June and 2 July 2023. There will be 26 sports played during the games with 18 Olympic and eight non-Olympic sports scheduled and more than 7,000 athletes expected to take part. Kraków will be the main hub of the Games with 11 different towns and cities hosting sports in a variety of different venues.

Text and photo source: EOC