The third edition of the European Games was officially opened this evening by President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, during a spectacular opening ceremony at the Henryk Reyman Stadium in Krakow. The Ceremony tonight marks the beginning of 11 days of competition, with nearly 7,000 athletes from 48 countries participating, including the first-ever EOC Refugee Team, competing in 29 disciplines in Malopolska, as well as Podkarpacie, Upper, and Lower Silesia. Qualifications for the Paris 2024 Olympics are also being held in more than half of the sports on the Olympic program. "This prestigious event brings together Europe's finest athletes and showcases the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, providing a great opportunity for our athletes to showcase their skills and talent to the whole of Europe," said Dušan Simonović, President of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee. "Participating in the European Games holds special significance for Montenegro, as it promotes our sporting culture, confirms our dedication to sports development, and provides our athletes with valuable international experience. I expect them to demonstrate their talent, discipline, and perseverance, representing our country with dignity," added the President of the MOC. The flag of Montenegro barriers were Marija Vuković and Danijel Furtula. These Games, taking place in a member country of the European Union for the first time, are the largest sports event ever organized in Poland and the biggest multi-sport competition on the European continent since the 2012 Olympic Games in London. "The European Games aim to showcase a beautiful, safe, and modern Poland on the one hand, and to be an arena of competition for Europe's best athletes on the other hand, who will also compete in 13 cities for European championship medals and Olympic qualifications. I am convinced that we are in for an event of a very high sporting level," said Kamil Bortniczuk, Minister for Sport and Tourism of Poland. The opening ceremony was attended by President Dušan Simonović and Minister of Sports and Youth, Vasilije Lalošević. Earlier today, President Simonović and Minister Lalošević attended the opening of the Croatian House in Krakow, where, thanks to the support of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Montenegro will have its own day. The presentation of Montenegro is scheduled for June 24th, organized by the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro. The Croatian House in Krakow, the first house of an NOC at the European Games, was officially opened by EOC President Spyros Capralos.
