Honorary distinctions were presented to Greek athletes who stood out for their ethos and achievements in the Olympic combat sports of Freestyle Wrestling, Judo, and Taekwondo by the FEDERATION OF OLYMPIA (Non-Profit Company) and the Organising Committee of the “Route of Truce 2025”, as part of their activities at the War Museum of Athens.

A particularly moving moment for those attending the event was the heartfelt “thank you” from the 8-year-old daughter of the late Olympian Alexandros Nikolaidis. When she, together with her mother and brother, received the honorary distinction, she said: “Thank you for remembering our dad…”—and the auditorium of the War Museum shook with applause of gratitude for the great moments the prematurely lost Taekwondo Olympian offered to Greece.

Theme of the event and the Art Exhibition: “To conquer oneself is the first and finest of all victories” (Plato).

The Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Kostas Tsiaras, himself also a collector, attended the event and referred to the effort and actions organized by the Federation of Olympia. He emphasized that, through the cultivation of a different spirit, volunteerism can be encouraged and we can rediscover those values that our ancient civilization managed to transmit to all humanity—showing that the light that began from Ancient Ilida and Ancient Olympia still exists today and continues to illuminate humankind.

The event opened with a greeting by the President of the Federation of Olympia, Ms. Sofia Hintziou–Kontogianni, who explained why the combat sports of Wrestling, Judo and Taekwondo were selected, based on a simple rationale:
“Just as the ancient Greeks—coming from every corner of the then-known world—joined hands and souls in the Sacred Altis of Olympia, with the Olympic Truce as an essential prerequisite for the Games, so too today three martial arts from three different traditions—Wrestling, Judo and Taekwondo—march together in the arena of the Olympic Games, sharing a common denominator: faith in the power of human will and spirit.”
She then presented the actions and projects that have been implemented and, concluding her speech, underlined that “the Federation of Olympia, through its artistic approach, gives voice to a universal dialogue of cultures. For a meaningful struggle is poetry, in the literal sense of the word. And every poetry that elevates the human soul is a path toward the ‘better of the best’.”

It is recalled that, in a similar event in 2018, the sport of Greco-Roman Wrestling had been honored.

A message from the President of CISM, Colonel Nilton Rolim Filho Gomez, was subsequently screened.

The representative of the Chief of HNDGS, Commander (N) Spyros Andriopoulos, in his address stressed that “the greatest victory is not against an opponent, but against ourselves, as we fight our own battle with determination and patience. Today we honor athletes who, through sweat, discipline, and constant effort, demonstrated strength of character and virtue. We honor those who, through their journey and way of life, embodied the values of Olympism and fair play—principles and values that remain aligned with ‘The Route of Truce’, a route that connects today with yesterday, respect, peace, and human dignity.”

The designated Regional Councillor of the Region of Attica, Ms. Rita Moraitaki–Pikrou, addressed the audience on behalf of the Regional Governor Mr. Nikos Hardalias, praised the work of the Federation of Olympia and emphasized that they will stand by the Organization.

Next, Professor of Philosophy of Art, visual artist and author Mr. Demosthenis Davvetas spoke on: “Martial arts as self-knowledge and self-control.” Mr. Davvetas noted that a martial art begins with fighting one’s own fear. This is achieved not only through toil—it is a form of art. The concept of a champion entails sacrifices: I deprive myself of something to invest it elsewhere. I must control my fear and my passions; I must have self-control. The teacher plays a significant role. The battle with ourselves leads us to self-knowledge. Thus better people and better citizens are formed, who will set an example for all.

Art historian and curator of the Art Exhibition hosted in the foyer of the War Museum, Ms. Annita Patsouraki, presented the exhibition under the theme “To conquer oneself is the first and finest of all victories”, and referred to exhibits from the three private collections of Mr. Fotis Zachos, Mr. Kyriakos Tsiflakos, and the family of Michail Skoullos. She connected the exhibits with the broader presence and activity of cultural diplomacy represented by selected artists in Japan, China, and Korea in relation to the honored sports.

This was followed by the awarding of distinguished Athletes of the Olympic combat sports (Wrestling, Judo and Taekwondo).

FREESTYLE WRESTLING

Iraklis Deskoullidis, one of the leading Greek wrestlers and coaches, with participation and distinctions in the Olympic Games, European and World Championships, the Mediterranean Games, and a multi-time Greek champion. He also served as Commander of the Physical Education and Sports Service of the Hellenic Police.

Stavroula (Voula) Zygouri, a champion with an outstanding career both as an athlete and as a defender of the values of sport and Olympism. She has achieved a series of successes: 12 times in the Greek National Championship, also in the European Championships, and she placed 4th at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. She is a member of FILA’s Women’s Commission (World Wrestling Federation) and today serves as President of the Hellenic Olympians Association.

Maria–Louiza Vryoni, an athlete with major international achievements. She has won significant distinctions in World and European Championships, Mediterranean Games, as well as at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. She was a 12-time Greek champion from 2004 to 2016.

JUDO

Ilias Iliadis, Olympic Gold Medallist at Athens 2004 and World Champion. A living legend of judo, with great influence on the new generation and deep respect for the sport’s code. He is regarded as the greatest Greek judoka of all time, with 13 medals (8 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze) across the Olympic Games, World Cups, European Championships and Mediterranean Games.

Theodoros Tselidis, who has earned major distinctions for Greece, including bronze medals at the Paris Olympic Games, at the 2018 European Judo Championships, and at the 2018 Mediterranean Games. A modest athlete who, through dedication to his sporting effort, serves as an example to young athletes.

Maria Karagiannopoulou, a dynamic presence in judo with a consistent career and international distinctions. At the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, she placed 5th in the 48kg category. Maria ran and completed the first Route of Olympic Truce in 2016—a 50km route—thus becoming one of the heralds of the Truce.

Spiros Rigos, a pioneer in the development of judo in Greece. His long-standing contribution, both as an athlete and as a coach, is a valuable legacy. He is among the few in the West to hold 7th Dan Judo, awarded by the Kodokan Judo Institute of Japan. He has distinguished himself in Balkan competitions and has won the gold medal 9 times at the Greek National Championship, holding the most national titles in his category.

Georgios Petrakis, a great servant of the sport, who has contributed significantly to the development of new talent and to promoting the values of judo in Greece. He was honored for his major contribution to judo within the Armed Forces and Security Corps. As an officer of the Hellenic Police, he won the gold medal at the World Police & Fire Games held in Chengdu, China.

Nikos Iliadis, a coach with international recognition and decisive contribution to the greatest achievements of Greek judo. Father and coach of Ilias Iliadis, he has offered invaluable work to Greek sport. To this day he continues to serve judo in Greece as coach of Elisavet Teltsidou and Thodoris Tselidis.

PARA JUDO

Dora (Theodora) Paschalidou was the flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games, where she won the bronze medal in the 70kg category. She also won bronze and gold at the European Championships in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

The honorary plaque was received on behalf of Ms. Paschalidou by the Vice President of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, Mr. Vangelis Kakosaios, who referred to the importance of Paralympic sport, which offers every person—whatever their disability—the opportunity to compete.

TAEKWONDO

Michalis Mouroutsos, Olympic Gold Medallist at Sydney 2000 in the 58kg category, is a symbol of perseverance and sporting excellence and has inspired generations of young athletes. He has distinguished himself at the Olympic Games, European and World Championships. He is Vice President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee.

Alexandros Nikolaidis, two-time Olympic Silver Medallist (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008). The late Alexandros honored Taekwondo and Greek sport with the greatness of his character, both on and off the field of play. He achieved significant successes in European and World Championships, Mediterranean Games, and won the bronze medal in 1998 at the World Military Championships.

Elisavet (Elli) Mystakidou, Olympic Silver Medallist in 2004, with a rich career and continuous contribution to Taekwondo. An athlete who left a strong imprint on women’s competitive Taekwondo in Greece. She has achieved major successes in both European and World Championships.

Fani Tzeli, a rising star with impressive international distinctions: bronze medals at World and European Championships and at the Youth Olympic Games, and 7th place at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Her path promises a bright future for Greek Taekwondo.

Morfou Drosidou, a champion with a strong presence and major achievements in Greece and abroad. She won the bronze medal at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games in the 70kg category, the bronze medal at the 1991 World Championships, and silver medals in 1993 and 1997, as well as medals in European Championships.

Areti Athanasopoulou, an athlete with excellent technical training and discipline, known for her perseverance and outstanding representation of Greece in major competitions. She has participated in the Olympic Games, European and World Championships and was Greek champion for many years.

Maria Karpathaki, a major figure in women’s Taekwondo, who has contributed significantly to promoting and developing the sport in Greece. She has two medals in a World Cup and is a World Military Champion.

She has also contributed significantly to events held within the “Route of Truce” framework. It should be noted that she has participated 7 times in the 50km Route of Truce, and 2 times in the Route dedicated to Heracles (from today’s Agrapidochori to Ilida). Through her actions she has become a modern-day herald of the Truce, carrying its message. She is an ambassador of Beactive Hellas, an officer of the Hellenic Police, and a coach of the National Armed Forces team.

Sarantoula Pagonaki, an outstanding athlete with continuous presence and successes in Taekwondo, honoring the sport with dedication and dignity. What makes her stand out is that, although she is a mother of four children, she continues to compete and win medals at both World and European Championships, offering important services to Greek sport.

This was followed by the honorary recognition of the three collectors—Professor Michail Skoullos, Mr. Fotis Zachos and Mr. Kyriakos Tsiflakos—whose works were exhibited in the foyer of the War Museum.

Finally, the supporters of the Federation of Olympia’s activities were honored: the Mayor of Ilida Mr. Christos Christodoulopoulos (the honorary plaque was received by the Deputy Mayor of Ilida Mr. Gerasimos Papagiannopoulos), the National Coordinator of the BEACTIVE programme Mr. Dionysis Karakasis, and the sponsors AVANCE, LOUX, as well as Mr. Nikos Paraskevopoulos of GAIAOHOS CAPITAL S.A., originating from Ilida.

The event concluded with the message of the Mayor of Ilida, Mr. Christos Christodoulopoulos, who noted: “This is an event of special symbolism and significance, as it is the fruit of your many years of uninterrupted offering, which began with the creation of ‘The Route of Truce’ in Ilia and continues each year with the symbolic ‘Route of Truce’.”

This route, full of values and messages, has offered a fertile ground for reflection and conclusions, laying the foundations for the enhancement of the institution and its dynamic evolution.

As the Municipality of Ilida, we share a common vision with the Federation of Olympia: the revival and promotion of the institution of the Truce—the supreme political act of antiquity—which, unfortunately, never gained substantial practical meaning in the modern era of the Olympic Games.

The ART EXHIBITION hosted works by Greek and foreign artists from the 19th century through the early 20th century, belonging to the recognized private collections of MICHAIL SKOULLOS and FOTIS ZACHOS, as well as rare original books by Japan’s national poet Lafcadio Hearn from the collection of KYRIAKOS TSIFLAKOS, and a portrait of Lafcadio Hearn by Sofia Fotiadou from the collection of the Hellenic American College of Athens.

It also featured paintings and sculptures by contemporary Greek creators inspired by Eurasian culture, linking Greece with the Far East—Japan, China and Korea.

Artists who participated: AGGELIDI ANGELIKI, VORDONI ERIETTA, GOUMAS CHARALAMPOS, DAVVETAS DEMOSTHENIS, KLOUVATOS LEFTERIS, LAGOS GRIGORIS, LIN IOANNA, MITSOU EVANGELOS, MIMIKOU STELLA, PAPALAMPROU ALEXANDROS, PAPOUTSIDIS NIKOS–GIORGOS, RINAS VANGELIS, ROUSSIS GIORGOS, TSEKOURA AIMILIA, TSILAGA LINA.

Among those present were: the Minister of Rural Development and Food Mr. Kostas Tsiaras, the representative of the Regional Governor of Attica Ms. Rita Moraitaki Pikrou, the Archbishop of Zambia and Mozambique Ioannis, the representative of the Chief of HNDGS Commander Spyros Andriopoulos, the President of the NOA Mr. Demosthenis Tambakos, the Vice President of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee Mr. Vangelis Kakosaios, former MP for Ilia Mr. G. Kontogiannis, the Deputy Mayor of Ilida Mr. Gerasimos Papagiannopoulos, Olympians G. Tzelilis and M. Christoforidou, the son of Grigoris Lambrakis, the grandson of Charis Vasilakos, Professor Takis Alexopoulos, representatives of letters and arts, actors, academics, the collector Takis Efstathiou, lyra player Vasilis Skoulas, Ino Stefani, Thanos Loudos, Niki Zachari, Chara Koumentakou, Aphrodite Koumentakou, Charis Kondyli, Iriana Kondyli, Maria Palaiokrassa, Vasilis Moschakis, Kirki Kefalea, Aphrodite Vaslika, Spiros Kotzampais, Elli Kotzampasi, Roula Pappas Tsiota, Panos Kordalis, Christos Fountoukis, and others.

All events are organized by the Federation of Olympia (Non-Profit Company), with co-organizers the Region of Western Greece, the Municipalities of Ilida, Pyrgos and Ancient Olympia, the Supreme Council for Sports in the Armed Forces (ASAED), with the International Olympic Truce Centre as cooperating support body, supported by the Region of Attica and #BEACTIVE, and held under the auspices of the Ministries of National Defence; Education, Religious Affairs and Sports; Rural Development and Food; Tourism; the International Military Sports Council (CISM); the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC); the International Olympic Academy (IOA); the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO); the National Olympic Academy (NOA); the Association of Olympic Participants; the Hellenic Olympians Association; volunteer support by the Hellenic Red Cross Samaritan–Rescuer–Lifeguard Corps (Amaliada Regional Section), Hellenic Red Cross Regional Section of Pyrgos, 1st Ilioupoli Scout System, E.O.PY.D. Vrachnaika, S.E.DI.P. Western Achaia; and media sponsors ERT, ERT3, ERA SPOR 101.8, ERT Pyrgos, Proto Programma, PSAT, RunningNews.gr, OVI, apopseis.gr.

In our effort to keep alive the history and values of our land, we thank our supporters for their support and contribution, which greatly helps promote and achieve our mission: Loux, Dirfys bottled water, AVANCE Car Rental, Karavias Art Insurance, KYKNOS Hellenic Canning Company S.A., and supporting suppliers: VIOLANTA biscuits, GAIAOHOS CAPITAL S.A., AMKE AIGEAS, Xenia – The Hospitality Experience, BRINTZIKI ESTATE, X-TREME STORES, DOLE, Panachaiki Union of Cooperatives, National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (ETHEAS), Kalomoiris ILVIGAL, Fargeco Hellas, PANINI FOODS, KARNAROS bakery.