SUMMIT – ART EXHIBITION & AWARDS OF ROUTE OF TRUCE 2022
The Federation of Olympia honored Greek Track & Field runners and ultra-athlete Emil Zátopek with an Art Exhibition and a Symposium
The Federation of Olympia honored the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, at an event held yesterday (Wednesday, April 6) at the Athens War Museum, as part of the activities of “Route of Truce 2022”, entitled “Εὐοῖ ὠκύποδα!” (Bravo, swift-footed!) – “From Koroibos to Emil Zátopek.”
The event opened with a welcome address by Ms. Sofia Hintziou Kontogianni, President of the Federation of Olympia, who presented the Organization’s actions. She also referred to the need to apply the Truce in the modern era, linking its meaning as a universal value to what is happening in Ukraine: “When in Ukraine people are seeking a breath of life to bury their dead or to secure humanitarian aid, the concept of the Truce—as a value and as a necessity—takes on another dimension. It grows. And it makes us think, not whether, but how international rules will be established for its implementation, as our ancient ancestors once achieved…”
The Director of the International Olympic Truce Centre, international relations expert Dr. Konstantinos Filis, referred to the need for the Olympic Movement to instill in the global community the culture of peace embodied in the values of the Truce, noting that, within this framework, the Centre embraced and supports the initiatives of the Federation of Olympia.
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic, PhDr. Jakub Karfik, noted in his address that Greece honors the legend Emil Zátopek on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth, and that the event brings together sport and art—two concepts that know no borders and constitute an international language.
Journalist, historian and author Mr. Titos Athanasiadis developed the topic: “The Hellenistic athletic race as an element of the Greeks’ martial virtue.” He referred to Greek multi-Olympic champions of antiquity and compared them to Emil Zátopek. He noted that defensive war in antiquity was considered legitimate and sacred insofar as it concerned the defense of the homeland, and he stressed that, in the Greeks’ victorious battles—especially at Marathon—the soldiers’ training in the hoplitodromos (the armed race), one of the Olympic events, played a decisive role.
The Director of ASAED, Spyros Andriopoulos, emphasized that the Council was inspired by the Federation of Olympia’s idea for the Route of Truce and, for this reason, participates every year in the events as a co-organizer.
The Director of the Czech Centre Athens, Ms. Lucie Kuligová, spoke on: Emil Zátopek: “If you can’t go on, run faster,” referring to the legendary runner, the “human locomotive” as he was described, and to his achievements—from his first Olympic appearance (London 1948), where he won gold in the 10,000 m and silver in the 5,000 m, to his starring role at the Helsinki Olympic Games in 1952, where he won three gold medals (5,000 m, 10,000 m, and the Marathon) with Olympic records within eight days. Ms. Kuligová also referred to Zátopek’s personality, emphasizing his anti-communist activity at a time when even champions were sent to the mines as punishment.
The Art Historian and Curator of the exhibition presented in the Museum’s foyer, Ms. Annita Patsouraki, referred to the content and artists of the exhibition entitled “Εὐοῖ ὠκύποδα!” (Bravo, swift-footed!), noting that the 56 participating artists—through a variety of expressions—met in a shared dialogue of creative spirit and common visions, where universal concepts are understood, contributing as an integral part of our cultural heritage. Drawing on the uniqueness of our history and cultural memory, and with a legacy of values inspired by the spirit that Olympism transmits worldwide, with knowledge of history and the intellectual treasure of our art and culture, they shaped beautiful ideals of timeless course.
All the artists convey, with high artistic vision, our spiritual civilization; they deliver a strong cultural message, strengthening feelings of awe, ethical duty toward our historical past and the preservation of our cultural wealth, confirming that “character determines a person’s fate,” translating Heraclitus’ maxim: “A man’s character is his destiny.”
Deputy Minister Ms. Sofia Voultepsi presented to the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, PhDr. Jakub Karfik, the honorary award for the legendary Czech runner Emil Zátopek, which will be delivered to the Dana and Emil Zátopek Foundation.
Deputy Minister for Migration and Asylum Ms. Sofia Voultepsi stated that it is unacceptable for truce rules not to be observed by the international community and Olympic participants, and stressed that the values of the Truce must be highlighted and a message must be sent internationally that it is not possible to hold Olympic Games while war is taking place.
A message by the Governor of Attica, Mr. Giorgos Patoulis, was screened, in which he referred to the values contained in the concept of the Truce, stressing that 3,000 years later humanity seems to have lost the wisdom of our ancient ancestors and has lost its way toward peace. This is the road that The Route of Truce comes to remind us of: a multifaceted initiative that seeks once again to build a bridge between ancient and modern, between sport and politics, between people—for peace and prosperity. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a unique opportunity to reflect on the values we have overlooked, which today are more relevant and necessary than ever.
The President of the War Museum, Mr. Anastasios Liaskos, underlined the need—by drawing on Olympic values—to move forward in conditions of unbreakable unity in order to safeguard Greece in the difficult modern era. And, as he noted, through a journey of sacrifices we demonstrate our duty to the homeland so that our country may hold the position it deserves in the contemporary world.
Athletes and track & field runners were present and honored, both for their achievements and contribution to the Olympic ideal, and for their ethos:
Representing Cypriot athlete Mr. Charis Aivaliotis, who brought glory to Greece, his daughter Ms. Sara Aivalioti attended; the honorary plaque was presented by the Director of the International Olympic Truce Centre, international relations expert Dr. Konstantinos Filis.
Spilios Zacharopoulos, who achieved the seemingly impossible in 1972 in Grenoble in the 1,500 m, was honored by former MP and Minister Mr. Giorgos Kontogiannis.
Spiros Kontosoros, one of the greatest Greek athletes in the 3,000 m steeplechase and the 5 and 10 km during the 1970s, was honored by the representative of the Governor of Attica, Mr. G. Patoulis, the Deputy Governor of the Central Sector of Athens, Mr. Giorgos Dimopoulos.
The wife of Michalis Kousis, Ms. Kalliopi Soula–Kousi, who traveled from Thessaloniki, received the honorary award from the General Director of OAKA, Mr. K. Chalioris, who linked the runner’s persistence with goals and noted: “Perhaps it was not accidental that I was chosen to be here, because I too was persistent, and by order of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Minister of Sports, our goal is to make OAKA a nucleus of sport and culture for the country.”
Mr. Spyros Kavounidis, son of the first woman who took part in the Olympic Games, Domnitsa Laniti Kavounidou, received the honorary plaque from Deputy Minister Ms. Sofia Voultepsi. Mr. Kavounidis referred to his mother’s activity in the 1930s, when she held all women’s records in every event that existed at the time in running and jumping. He stressed that Domnitsa Laniti also served the effort to elevate the position of women in society—either by ignoring obscene remarks because she wore shorts (rare for women then) or later, through journalism for women’s sport.
Ms. Voultepsi referred to women’s position at that time and Laniti’s pioneering role, considering that women in Greece began voting in 1956.
Stelios Bismpas, one of the top athletes in the 60 m and 110 m hurdles, was honored by the Secretary General of the Municipality of Pyrgos, Mr. Giannis Varelas. Mr. Bismpas also designed the first medal for the 2016 edition of the Route of Truce.
Outstanding sprinter Charis Papadias, ranked among the top four nationally in the 100 m, was awarded by the President of the War Museum, former Minister Mr. Anastasios Liaskos.
Multiple Greek champion Ms. Dimitra Papaspyrou was honored by the President of Modern Pentathlon and Deputy Director of the International Olympic Truce Centre, Ms. Dora Palli.
Ms. Voula Patoulidou sent a message that was screened during the event.
Angelos Pavlakakis, described as the fastest Greek, and his dynamic and consistent sprinter wife, Katerina Koffa, were honored by the President of the Hellenic Olympians Association, Ms. Voula Zygouri.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, Spiros Andriopoulos, Maria Christofidi and Giorgos Tzelilis honored their teacher, Stavros Tziortzis.
Finally, the President of the Federation of Olympia, Ms. Sofia Hintziou Kontogianni, honored the Director of ASAED and runner Spiros Andriopoulos, not only for his action as an athlete, but also for his continuous support of the Federation’s initiatives and for promoting The Route of Truce.
In closing, Mr. Giorgos Tsakatouras was honored for Avance Car Rental’s ongoing and generous support of the Route of Truce initiatives.
After the symposium and awards (at 8:30 p.m.), the film “Zátopek” was screened in its nationwide premiere. The film is a gripping biography of the legendary runner and Olympic champion and is the Czech Republic’s submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Production: 2021. Duration: 130 minutes.
The coordination and presentation of the event were handled by journalist Spyridoula Irida Spanea.
In the art exhibition entitled “Εὐοῖ ὠκύποδα” (Bravo, swift-footed!) – “From Koroibos to Emil Zátopek,” 56 artists participated: Angelidis Paschalis, Angelidis Angeliki, Valyraki–Papapatheodorou Mina, Vassiliki, Veniéri Lydia, Vordoni Erietta, Voutsinas Marios, Gkizas Vasilis, Goumas Charalambos, Goulandri Olga, Goulis Fanis, Davvetas Dimosthenis, Dervou Marianna, Divari Eva, Dritsas Giorgos, Evangelatos Kostas, Zivas Nikos, Iliakopoulou Vasiliki, Kaisariti Athina, Kanellou Evita, Kelly, Kluvatos Lefteris, Kokkinni Maria, Kontellis Andreas, Korovessi Angelika, Kouvatsou Despina, Kourkoulou Magda, Ktistopoulou Maria, Lavdas Apostolos, Lazaridis Kyriakos, Lyraraki Elli, Manolidis Theodoros, Mitsou Evangelos, Mimicou Stella, Moustakas Alexandros, Bakopanos Dimitris, Barakou Nadia, Bardis Giannis, Bliatsou Georgia, Bouza Feny, Xenoulis Giorgos, Palaska Alexandra, Panagiotidis Angelos, Papoutsidis Nikos–Giorgos, Patsoglou Aristeidis, Pafou Anna, Piana Sissy, Roussis Giorgos, Roussis Emmanouil, Samios Pavlos, Siagkris Panagiotis, Spyropoulos Kostas, Stathopoulos Giorgos, Talaganis Dimitris, Tziara Angelos, Christogiannis Dimitris.
There was also a presentation of paintings by students of the “Dana and Emil Zátopek” Primary School in the city of Třinec, Czech Republic, as well as works by children from Ilia, from the art schools: the Artistic Workshop of Ms. Eleni Stathopoulou and Mr. Kristo Defrim Hasa.
Finally, the book/comic “ZÁTOPEK” (Jan Novák, Jaromír 99, Kastaniotis Editions, 2022) was presented.
All actions are organized by the Federation of Olympia and co-organized with the Region of Western Greece, the Municipalities of Ilida, Pyrgos and Ancient Olympia, and the Supreme Council for Sports in the Armed Forces; with support partners the International Olympic Truce Centre and the Czech Centre Athens; with the support of the Region of Attica and #BEACTIVE; under the auspices of the Ministries of National Defence; Culture and Sports (General Secretariat of Sports); Rural Development and Food; Tourism; CISM; the Hellenic Olympic Committee; the International Olympic Academy; GNTO; ETHNOA; the Association of Olympic Participants; technical support by the Athens War Museum; and media sponsors including the Panhellenic Sports Press Association (PSAT), ERT, ERT-3, Proto Programma, ERA SPOR, ERT Pyrgos, Athens 9.84, RunningNews.gr, OVImagazine, apopseis.gr, Greekteachers.
Main Supporter: Turbomed – Yiannis Paraskevopoulos s.a.
Official Supporters: AMKE AIGEAS, Loux, Avance Car Rental, nosti most, Hellenic Gyros
Suppliers/Supporters: Biolis, Agricultural Cooperative of Koryfi (Ilia), Enosi Agrotwn Ilias IKE, FarGeco Hellas, KALOMOIRIS ILIVIGAL, Mercouri Estate.
The events were attended by Deputy Minister for Migration and Asylum Ms. Sofia Voultepsi, MPs Andreas Nikolakopoulos, Charis Theocharis, Noni Dounia, the Ambassadors of the Czech Republic PhDr. Jakub Karfik and of Cyprus Kyriakos Kenevezos, the Deputy Governor of the Central Sector of Athens Giorgos Dimopoulos, the President of the War Museum Anastasios Liaskos, former MP Giorgos Kontogiannis, the Secretary General of the Municipality of Pyrgos Giannis Varelas, the General Director of OAKA K. Chalioris, Vice President of ELGO–Dimitra Georgia Boka, Board member of the European Physical Education Association Ioannis Gryparis, President & CEO of Avance Car Rental Giorgos Tsakatouras, President of the Hellenic Olympians Association Voula Zygouri, distinguished athletes Kallinikos Kreanga, Giorgos Fragkos, Stelios Sotiriou, Maria Christoforidi, Olga Vasdeki, Giorgos Tzelilis, Maria Karpathaki, Giannis Kouros, Aristea Papadopoulou and Gianna Lourida (President of the Olympiada Association), N. Kalakos (CEO of ESYP), and others.
You can view the exhibition catalogue HERE.
