SYMBOLIC ROUTE OF TRUCE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EXERCISE INIOCHOS

170 pilots–runners of Exercise INIOCHOS ran for the Truce

A gentle smile from young priestesses and a branch of wild olive from the sacred land of Olympia, together with a commemorative medal, awaited the 170 pilots–runners as they finished inside the welcoming grounds of the Stadium of the International Olympic Academy, during the Symbolic Route of Truce held on Saturday, on the sidelines of Exercise INIOCHOS.
The exercise takes place at the 117 Combat Wing (117 CW) in Andravida and involves the participation of 11 countries.

The Symbolic Route of Truce was dedicated to Kleosthenis, King of Ancient Pisa—the first host city of the ancient Olympic Games—and the ruler who co-signed the Treaty of Truce together with Ifitos, King of Ilida, and Lycurgus of Sparta.

Accepting the invitation of the organisers of the exercise, the Federation of Olympia, in cooperation with ASAED, organised this Symbolic Route of Truce with the aim of conveying the message of the Truce to the pilots of the eleven participating countries, so that they, in turn, may carry it back to their homelands.

The opening signal was given by young priestesses from the group “En Choro” of Zacharo, who initiated the ritual wearing costumes designed by Emilia Giannopoulou.

Subsequently, member of the Federation of Olympia Mr. Konstantinos Kontogiannis welcomed the 170 pilots–runners and, in his brief address, explained the meaning of the Truce in the modern era, as well as the Federation’s effort to make its actions a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary world.

The Mayor of Ancient Olympia, Mr. Giorgos Georgiopoulos, stressed that especially today, with war raging in Europe, the Truce acquires particular importance, and invited the pilots to visit Ancient Olympia with their families.

The President of the Local Community, Mr. Sofoklis Sofianopoulos, thanked the organisers for selecting Pisa, as well as the Commander of KEAT, Brigadier General (AF) Matthaios Kanoupakis.

Finally, the Commander of KEAT noted that for the pilots of the Hellenic Air Force, the Truce holds special significance, as it constitutes the prelude to peace.

The aviators–runners finished at the facilities of the International Olympic Academy, where they received a branch of wild olive along with a commemorative medal engraved with the Disk of the Truce.

Special honours were awarded to the first male and first female runner with a plaque depicting an olive branch, created by the renowned sculptor Angelos Panagiotidis.

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