Dr Paul Ford MBE named Team GB’s Chef de Mission for Krakow 2023 European Games

Dr Paul Ford MBE has been appointed as the Chef de Mission for Team GB for the Krakow 2023 European Games, set to take place in the Polish city between 21 June to 2 July 2023.

The third edition of the Games will see a strong British contingent compete across 18 sports, with Olympic qualification on the line for at least 11 sports - the largest for a European Games to date.

Team GB has attended each of the previous two editions, including Minsk 2019, where Paul was also Chef de Mission, and Baku 2015.

Paul is the British Olympic Association’s Head of Sport Engagement and has been a Deputy Chef de Mission for the BOA at four Games previously, including Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022.

Speaking of Paul’s appointment, CEO Andy Anson said: “The European Games is an important event for Team GB and for our athletes. The Games are growing in stature with every edition. For many athletes, Olympic qualification rides on their attendance and performance in Krakow, so we are treating it is an incredibly important event for Team GB.

“Paul’s experience in guiding the team through Minsk 2019 will be of real benefit to us as we focus on Krakow and the qualification routes to Paris 2024. Krakow is a fantastic host city and we look forward to some excellent competition in 2023.”

Paul Ford added: “It’s always a privilege to be asked to lead Team GB into competition and this is no different. The standard of competition for the European Games is high and becoming higher. Our focus is on providing the best environment we can for the athletes to perform to their optimum. It is also a vital element of our preparation and planning for Paris 2024.”