The Opening Ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon in Ancient Ilida.

In her address, the President of the Federation of Olympia AMKE, Sofia Hintziou-Kontogianni, stated, among other things:

“Today, as Greece and the international community are experiencing conditions similar to those that led Iphitos, King of Ilida, to seek guidance from the Pythia, asking how the Greeks could achieve concord — receiving the prophetic exhortation ‘to renew the Olympic Games’ — today, more than ever, the implementation of Truce as an Olympic value is necessary. We must remember what unites us and not what divides us. Truce must be brought to the forefront, and respect for it must become — as it was in antiquity — a prerequisite for participation in the modern Olympic Games as well.”

In her greeting, the President of the Municipal Council of Ilida, Mrs. Theoni Georgopoulou, thanked the organizers and the runners for their participation. She emphasized the universal character of the Olympic Truce, which today appears more relevant than ever, highlighted the invaluable importance of Ancient Ilida on the global cultural map, and stressed that the effort of the Federation of Olympia must be further strengthened, as it expresses the values of Olympism, which were born in this land.

The President of the Local Community of Ilida, Mr. Christos Gourdoubas, referred to the value of Truce as a prerequisite for peace and underlined the role of Ancient Ilida in its promotion.

The Opening Ceremony concluded with a concert by Sidorela Sindy and Stavros Nathanael, who energized the runners and participants with traditional and folk dances.

Present at the Opening Ceremony were the President of the Municipal Council of Ilida, Mrs. Theoni Georgopoulou; the President of the Local Community of Ilida, Christos Gourdoubas; the Culture and Promotion Advisor of the Municipality of Ilida, Magda Christodoulopoulou; Olympic wrestler Mrs. Maria-Louiza Vryoni; world champion in Weightlifting Mrs. Maria Christoforidi; Taekwondo world champion Mrs. Maria Karpathaki; presidents of local cultural associations; runners; and a large audience.

Local delicacies were offered to attendees by the Cultural Associations of Ancient Ilida, Kalyvia of Ilida and Fileas of Augeias, as well as by the Association of School Cleaning Staff of Ilia.

All events were organized by the Federation of Olympia AMKE, with co-organizers the Region of Western Greece, the Municipalities of Ilida, Pyrgos and Ancient Olympia, and the Supreme Sports Council of the Armed Forces (A.S.A.E.D.). The International Olympic Truce Centre participated as a cooperating support body, with the support of the Region of Attica and #BEACTIVE.

The events were held under the auspices of the Ministries of National Defence; Education, Religious Affairs and Sports; Rural Development and Food; and Tourism; the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO); the International Military Sports Council (CISM); the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC); the International Olympic Academy (IOA); the National Olympic Academy of Greece; the Association of Olympic Games Participants; and the Hellenic Olympians Association.

Volunteer support was provided by the Hellenic Red Cross, Corps of Volunteer Samaritans, Rescuers and Lifeguards of the Amaliada Regional Department; the Hellenic Red Cross, Pyrgos Regional Department; the 1st Scout System of Ilioupoli; E.O.PY.D. Vrachneika; S.E.DI.P. of Western Achaia; Olympia Runners; and Run Amaliada.

Media sponsors included ERT, ERT3, ERT Pyrgos, ERA Sport 101.8, ERT News Radio 105.8, PSAT, Running News.gr, OVI and apopseis.gr.

In our effort to keep alive the history and values of our land, we wish to thank our supporters for their contribution and assistance, which greatly supports the promotion and achievement of our purpose.

Main Supporter: TURBOMED – Yiannis Paraskevopoulos.
Official Supporters: THEONI Natural Mineral Water, AVANCE car rental, Karavias Art Insurance.
Supplier-Supporters: Olympia Odos, GAIAOHOS CAPITAL S.A., Xenia – The Hospitality Experience, Ktima Brintziki, X-TREME STORES, BARAT biscuits, DOLE, the Panegialios Union of Cooperatives, the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (ETHEAS), Kalomoiris ILVIGAL, Fargeco Hellas, PANINI FOODS, Karnaros Bakery and Bioilis Organic Products – Olive Oil Trade.

The organizers warmly thank the Hellenic Police for the coordination and safe conduct of the actions, the National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAV), as well as the Presidents of the Local Communities, the Cultural Associations and the residents of all the Local Communities along the Route of Truce Trail, for the excellent hospitality they offered to the runners of the Route of Truce 2026.

You can read the full press release on the three-day events HERE.