With a Wish for Peace, Participants of the “Iniochos 2026” Exercise Ran for Truce

8.3.2026

In an atmosphere of emotion, young priestesses welcomed on Saturday morning, at the facilities of the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia, the personnel participating in the “Iniochos 2026” Air Exercise, as well as members of their families, who ran for Truce along the “Route of Kleosthenis”, from Ancient Pisa to Ancient Olympia.

At the finish line, in addition to their medals, participants received from the young priestesses a branch of wild olive from the sacred land of Olympia.

The “Iniochos 2026” air exercise is being held at the Andravida Air Base, under the supervision of the Air Tactics Centre (KEAT), with the participation of a large number of air forces from allied and friendly countries.

During the first phase of the Exercise, which concerns its preparation, a symbolic Route of Truce was held from Ancient Pisa to the facilities of the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia. The Route of Truce was dedicated to Kleosthenis, King of Pisa.

Pisa was the first organizing city of the ancient Olympic Games, and its king, Kleosthenis, together with Iphitos, King of Ilida, and Lycurgus of Sparta, was one of the three kings of Ancient Greece who co-signed the Truce treaty that was in force before the Games were held.

Accepting the invitation of the organizers of the Exercise, the Federation of Olympia once again organized this year, together with A.S.A.E.D., the Municipality of Ancient Olympia and the Local Community of Ancient Pisa, this symbolic Route of Truce. Its purpose was to promote the Olympic Values and, in particular, the message of Truce, which leads to peace — something our time needs so deeply.

The President of the Local Community of Pisa, Mr. Sofoklis Sofianopoulos, welcomed the participants of the “Iniochos 2026” exercise who ran in the Route of Truce. He then thanked the Commander of KEAT for choosing Pisa, as well as the organizers: the Federation of Olympia, the Municipality of Ancient Olympia, the Nature and Cultural Association of Ancient Pisa, the Hellenic Police, the Pyrgos Branch of the Hellenic Red Cross, and the “En Choro” group from Zacharo for the ceremonial dance performance.

The Deputy Mayor of Ancient Olympia, Mr. Sotiris Papailiou, thanked those present and the organizers for once again choosing Pisa. He wished for peace and highlighted the importance of the event in the troubled and war-torn times we are experiencing.

Mr. Konstantinos Kontogiannis, Secretary General of the Federation of Olympia, in his address explained to those present the meaning of Truce in the modern era, the effort of the Federation of Olympia to promote the principles of the Olympic Spirit as it was shaped through the organization and conduct of the ancient Olympic Games, and underlined the effort to make the actions of the Federation of Olympia a bridge between the ancient and the modern world.

With an olive branch created by sculptor Angelos Panagiotidis, the President of the Federation of Olympia, Mrs. Sofia Hintziou-Kontogianni, and with an olive wreath, symbol of peace and fellowship among peoples, the President of the Local Community, Mr. Sofoklis Sofianopoulos, honoured the Commander of KEAT, Brigadier General (HAF) Georgios Petrou. The Commander, in turn, offered them the emblem of the Iniochos Exercise.

Afterwards, young priestesses from the “En Choro” group of Zacharo, under the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Athanasia Nikoletopoulou, completed their ceremonial dance to the music of Vangelis Papathanasiou and gave the signal for the start.

At the finish line, within the welcoming grounds of the International Olympic Academy, the runners received from the hands of the priestesses a branch of wild olive and a commemorative medal, as a sign of honour and recognition.