The replica was presented to Ciepiela at the Lustrzana Hall in Tarnów by Marshal of Małopolska Voivodeship Witold Kozłowski and vice-president of the European Games Organising Committee Maciej Kurp.

The ceremony was attended by youngsters from sports schools across the city, as well as dignitaries including deputy marshal of Małopolska Voivodeship Józef Gawron and member of the Board of the Małopolska Voivodeship Marta Malec-Lech.

During the European Games, Tarnów Beach Arena is scheduled to host beach handball and beach soccer, the Hala Unii is set to act as the venue for badminton and Tarnów Climbing Centre is due to hold sport climbing competition.

Speaking during the handover ceremony Kozłowski said: "This is the largest multidisciplinary sports event not only in the history of our country, but also in the world this year.

"I am glad that one of the partner cities is Tarnow - and after all this city will become a permanent part of the history of the Olympic Movement."

 Organising Committee vice-president Kurp added: "I am glad that after a gap of many years, I have the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance with the President of Tarnów at such a special moment.

"The handing over of the flag is a sign of how important Tarnów is on the map of Małopolska, and a significant point of this event."

The city’s Mayor Ciepiela added: "It is an honour for me, that Tarnow will become the capital of European and even world sports for several days.

"I had no doubts that our city would be a good place to host some of the disciplines."

Competition is scheduled to take place across 28 sports and 11 venues between June 21 and July 2.