The European Olympic Committees (EOC) has announced that an EOC Refugee Team will compete at the European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023.

The EOC is the first continental association to have a Refugee Team at its multisport events.

The third edition of the Games will be held between 21 June and 2 July and the EOC has today confirmed that three taekwondo athletes and two boxers representing the newly-formed EOC Refugee Team will join more than 7,000 other athletes in Poland this summer.

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF). The ORF manages the, Olympic Solidarity-funded, Refugee Athlete Support programme and will manage the IOC Refugee Olympic Team Paris 2024.

EOC President Spyros Capralos highlighted the importance of having the EOC Refugee Team at the European Games, as well as emphasising the role that sport can continue to play in driving peace in communities.

Capralos: “I am proud to announce today the creation of a European Olympic Committees Refugee Team, which will compete in this summer’s European Games in Kraków-Małopolska.

“Ongoing conflicts, persecution and climate change continue to force millions of people from their homes. When they settle in new countries, sport is more than just a tool for integration. It can help to escape trauma, it can give athletes a focus and sense of purpose, help them rebuild their lives, create social networks and much more.

“The five athletes set to compete in Poland are proof of that and I know they will compete with pride. I wish them the best of luck.”