Hasan Arat, European Olympic Committees Executive Committee member and Chair of the Coordination Commission for the European Games 2023, sat on two separate panels at the II European Sports Tourism Congress in Poland.

Held in Zakopane, one of the 11 host cities and towns for the European Games 2023, the Congress was used by Polish President Andrzej Duda to announce Poland’s interest in hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2036, a clear legacy following the third edition of Europe’s premier multi-sport event held in Krakow and the Malopolska region in June and July.

Mr Arat represented the EOC on two separate panels, the first titled “Have the third European Games opened the door to great sport in Poland?” and the second “Sports diplomacy – sport as an area of international diplomacy.”

He praised the organisers for bringing together experts from across Europe to discuss the impact of sports tourism and the benefits it can have for countries.

Mr Arat said: “Throughout the three days of the congress, there have been interesting and informative discussions and panels about the role sports tourism can play in Europe. I have enjoyed listening to experts from all areas of the industry give their thoughts and believe that everyone in attendance will leave invigorated by the event. The organisers have done a fantastic job.”

Having played an instrumental role in the European Games Krakow Malopolska 2023, Mr Arat was presented with Honorary Citizenship of Malopolska and the Medal of Honour by Marshal of Malopolska Witold Kozlowski.

Mr Arat said: “It is an honour for me to receive honorary citizenship of the Malopolska region from Marshal Witold Kozłowski. Thank you to the people of Malopolska and the people of Poland for their huge contribution to the success of the European Games.

“Not only did Poland prove that they are able to host large multi-sport events, the people of Poland showed their kindness and warmth as they welcomed athletes from all over Europe to their country. I will always look forward to returning to Poland in the future.”