Truce is more necessary today than ever – Event for Sports, Truce and Peace at the War Museum
With the commitment to continue the effort to promote the Olympic value of the Truce, an event entitled
“Sport, Truce and Peace” was held at the amphitheater of the Hellenic War Museum, in order to honor the
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6.
“Sport, Truce and Peace” was held at the amphitheater of the Hellenic War Museum, in order to honor the
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6.
The event was organized by the “Federation of Olympia” in cooperation with ASAED, the Municipality of Ilida
and the Municipality of Ancient Olympia, the International Olympic Truce Center and the Region of Attica.
and the Municipality of Ancient Olympia, the International Olympic Truce Center and the Region of Attica.
It was held under the auspices of the Ministries of National Defense and Tourism, the GNTO, the Hellenic Olympic Committee,
the Hellenic National Olympic Academy (ETHNOA), CISM, the Hellenic National Commission for
UNESCO, and the Grigoris Lambrakis Foundation, with supporting partner institutions including
the Municipality of Sparta, the Region of Peloponnese, the Panhellenic Association of Physical Education Graduates,
the Panhellenic Association of Gyms and the Association of Gym Owners of Attica.
the Hellenic National Olympic Academy (ETHNOA), CISM, the Hellenic National Commission for
UNESCO, and the Grigoris Lambrakis Foundation, with supporting partner institutions including
the Municipality of Sparta, the Region of Peloponnese, the Panhellenic Association of Physical Education Graduates,
the Panhellenic Association of Gyms and the Association of Gym Owners of Attica.
Opening the event, the President of the Federation of Olympia, Ms. Sofia Hintziou Kontogianni, welcomed the participants
and referred to the effort undertaken by the “Federation of Olympia” to revive the trail that once connected the organizing
city of the Olympic Games, Ancient Ilida, with the site where the Games were held, Ancient Olympia.
The trail has been officially registered under the title “Eco-tourism route Ilida–Olympia: The Route of Truce”
and has been included in the Leader program.
and referred to the effort undertaken by the “Federation of Olympia” to revive the trail that once connected the organizing
city of the Olympic Games, Ancient Ilida, with the site where the Games were held, Ancient Olympia.
The trail has been officially registered under the title “Eco-tourism route Ilida–Olympia: The Route of Truce”
and has been included in the Leader program.
The President of the “Federation of Olympia” referred to the efforts made to implement the project and its link with sport
and the values promoted by the ancient Olympic Games, with the aim of making the route accessible and walkable for athletes
and citizens, so that it can contribute to the development of the wider area. She concluded by stating:
and the values promoted by the ancient Olympic Games, with the aim of making the route accessible and walkable for athletes
and citizens, so that it can contribute to the development of the wider area. She concluded by stating:
“We know this is a difficult endeavor. But however you may see us, above all we want you to see us as Greeks who refuse to
surrender to the gloom of today’s era. Because we believe—as you who are here believe—that our country must regain the
glory it deserves. Yet to achieve this goal, we must all contribute.”
surrender to the gloom of today’s era. Because we believe—as you who are here believe—that our country must regain the
glory it deserves. Yet to achieve this goal, we must all contribute.”
Greetings were delivered by the Mayor of Ilida, Mr. Christos Christodoulopoulos, who emphasized:
“Today’s conference will have value only if it can lead to a series of conclusions that we will seek to transform into
decisions and actions. We must take initiatives—each from their own position and with their own capacity—so that the
institution of the Truce can once again contribute to the Olympic Games, not as a necessary evil but as an obligatory
reality that is followed consciously. This is the only path we should take, and I am confident that together we can succeed.”
“Today’s conference will have value only if it can lead to a series of conclusions that we will seek to transform into
decisions and actions. We must take initiatives—each from their own position and with their own capacity—so that the
institution of the Truce can once again contribute to the Olympic Games, not as a necessary evil but as an obligatory
reality that is followed consciously. This is the only path we should take, and I am confident that together we can succeed.”
Mr. Panagos Pantelakos, Municipal Councilor of Olympia, representing the Mayor of Ancient Olympia, referred to the value
of the Olympic Truce and the need for it to prevail in the modern world as well. He also reminded the audience that last year
the mayors of Sparta, Ilida and Olympia, prior to the lighting of the Olympic Flame, signed a Truce Pact together with the
President of the IOC, Mr. Bach.
of the Olympic Truce and the need for it to prevail in the modern world as well. He also reminded the audience that last year
the mayors of Sparta, Ilida and Olympia, prior to the lighting of the Olympic Flame, signed a Truce Pact together with the
President of the IOC, Mr. Bach.
A message from the Mayor of Sparta, Mr. Evangelos Valiotis, was read during the event. It is recalled that the kings of
Sparta, Ilida and Pisa (a city near Ancient Olympia) were those who signed the Truce in Ancient Greece.
Sparta, Ilida and Pisa (a city near Ancient Olympia) were those who signed the Truce in Ancient Greece.
Among other points, Mr. Valiotis noted:
“Let us make use of the idea of the Olympic Truce, which stems from the deep conviction that sport and Olympic ideals can
contribute to building a peaceful and better world. Let us combine the power and credibility of the sporting movement
worldwide, and let us work together for peace under the auspices of the Olympic Movement. Let us send a strong message to
the entire world about the role of sport as an effective means for achieving peace and human development.”
“Let us make use of the idea of the Olympic Truce, which stems from the deep conviction that sport and Olympic ideals can
contribute to building a peaceful and better world. Let us combine the power and credibility of the sporting movement
worldwide, and let us work together for peace under the auspices of the Olympic Movement. Let us send a strong message to
the entire world about the role of sport as an effective means for achieving peace and human development.”
Brigadier General Mr. Panagiotis Georgopoulos, First Vice President of the Hellenic War Museum, representing the Minister
of National Defense, made an extensive reference to the connection between Sport – Truce – Peace and emphasized that the War
Museum—whose mission is the collection, preservation and exhibition of war relics, the study, documentation and promotion of
the struggles of the Greek Nation from antiquity to the present—will support this effort by the Federation of Olympia, the
Municipalities of Ilida and Olympia and ASAED, aiming to preserve historical memory and elevate the historic route “Route of Truce”
into a global landmark.
of National Defense, made an extensive reference to the connection between Sport – Truce – Peace and emphasized that the War
Museum—whose mission is the collection, preservation and exhibition of war relics, the study, documentation and promotion of
the struggles of the Greek Nation from antiquity to the present—will support this effort by the Federation of Olympia, the
Municipalities of Ilida and Olympia and ASAED, aiming to preserve historical memory and elevate the historic route “Route of Truce”
into a global landmark.
Mr. Georgopoulos was presented with a commemorative medal from the first Olympic Truce Run and the papyrus listing the runners,
to be kept in the War Museum’s archives.
to be kept in the War Museum’s archives.
The Vice President of the International Olympic Truce Foundation and member of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Ms. Fani Palli Petralia,
welcomed the event, stressed the importance of the “Route of Truce” and underlined the support of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and
the International Olympic Truce Center for this initiative.
She emphasized: The Truce—whether Olympic or broadened as a modern political initiative—is today not simply a possibility,
but a duty, I would say, for every free country and every prudent person wherever they may be. And of course, it is even more
a duty for us Greeks who invented it, and especially for the people of Ilia who managed, in the name of the Olympic Games,
to highlight it, establish it and enforce it for almost a millennium across the free world.
welcomed the event, stressed the importance of the “Route of Truce” and underlined the support of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and
the International Olympic Truce Center for this initiative.
She emphasized: The Truce—whether Olympic or broadened as a modern political initiative—is today not simply a possibility,
but a duty, I would say, for every free country and every prudent person wherever they may be. And of course, it is even more
a duty for us Greeks who invented it, and especially for the people of Ilia who managed, in the name of the Olympic Games,
to highlight it, establish it and enforce it for almost a millennium across the free world.
Ms. Sofia Voultepsi greeted the event on behalf of New Democracy, underlining that the need for truce and peace is becoming
increasingly urgent in our time, as evidenced by recent events in Syria, especially following the chemical attack.
increasingly urgent in our time, as evidenced by recent events in Syria, especially following the chemical attack.
Ms. Foteini Vryna, representing the Region of Attica, after referring to Ilia, the Truce Run and the Route of Truce, invited everyone
to visit the Regional Unit of Ilia, emphasizing that it is, as a whole, a “Museum”, since it constitutes one of the most significant
parts of our cultural heritage.
to visit the Regional Unit of Ilia, emphasizing that it is, as a whole, a “Museum”, since it constitutes one of the most significant
parts of our cultural heritage.
The President of the Grigoris Lambrakis Foundation and son of the “Marathon Runner of Peace”, Mr. Grigoris Lambrakis,
in his greeting referred to his father’s struggle to establish the Truce and Peace and wished that the initiative of the Federation of Olympia
would find broad support. He concluded with the historic phrase his father reportedly said shortly before his assassination:
“Blessed are the peacemakers.”
in his greeting referred to his father’s struggle to establish the Truce and Peace and wished that the initiative of the Federation of Olympia
would find broad support. He concluded with the historic phrase his father reportedly said shortly before his assassination:
“Blessed are the peacemakers.”
The historian, journalist and author Mr. Titos Athanasiadis delivered a talk titled: “The Truce as a symbol of Peace”.
He referred to the era when the Olympic Games began (8th century BC) and connected the creation of the institution with the national
evolution of the Greeks. He highlighted their great cultural significance and their contribution to strengthening Greek national identity.
He referred to the era when the Olympic Games began (8th century BC) and connected the creation of the institution with the national
evolution of the Greeks. He highlighted their great cultural significance and their contribution to strengthening Greek national identity.
Mr. Athanasiadis continued with an extensive reference to the Archaic period, when the Olympic Games were established at Olympia,
describing that era as transitional towards the Classical period—especially the 5th century BC—when the Games expanded greatly and
contributed to Greek unity, a goal promoted by orators and politicians such as Gorgias, Isocrates and Themistocles, who took part in
rhetorical contests held within the framework of the Games.
Olympia, he noted, is the place where Greeks developed a unified national consciousness. He made special reference to Alexander I,
King of Macedon, who in 496 BC went to Olympia to compete and proved to the Hellanodikai Committee that he was Greek in order to be
allowed to participate—an episode he described as perhaps the strongest proof of the Greek identity of the Macedonians and Macedonia.
He also recalled that Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, had been crowned Olympic champion three times.
describing that era as transitional towards the Classical period—especially the 5th century BC—when the Games expanded greatly and
contributed to Greek unity, a goal promoted by orators and politicians such as Gorgias, Isocrates and Themistocles, who took part in
rhetorical contests held within the framework of the Games.
Olympia, he noted, is the place where Greeks developed a unified national consciousness. He made special reference to Alexander I,
King of Macedon, who in 496 BC went to Olympia to compete and proved to the Hellanodikai Committee that he was Greek in order to be
allowed to participate—an episode he described as perhaps the strongest proof of the Greek identity of the Macedonians and Macedonia.
He also recalled that Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, had been crowned Olympic champion three times.
Referring to the restoration of the trail, he emphasized that it will be an additional element supporting the broader aspiration that the
Olympic Games might one day return to their birthplace—an idea once envisioned by Konstantinos Karamanlis and more recently highlighted
by Christine Lagarde, who, as he noted, has first-hand understanding of the modern deviation from the ancient Olympic ideal.
Olympic Games might one day return to their birthplace—an idea once envisioned by Konstantinos Karamanlis and more recently highlighted
by Christine Lagarde, who, as he noted, has first-hand understanding of the modern deviation from the ancient Olympic ideal.
The international relations expert and Director of the International Olympic Truce Center, Mr. Konstantinos Filis,
speaking about the Olympic Truce in the modern era, referred to the Truce as an Olympic value and its role in today’s turbulent times.
He noted that, based on today’s reality, implementing the Truce prior to the Olympic Games (Winter and Summer) may seem utopian,
as it appears to address an ideal world. However, he stressed that it is not an unattainable dream if we focus on the younger generation,
as the International Olympic Truce Center does, so that a culture of Truce can be cultivated among young people.
Mr. Filis emphasized: “At the International Olympic Truce Center, our effort is to gradually cultivate—especially in the younger generation—
a culture of Truce. This is essential under the conditions we experience today, with population movements becoming the new normal.
Thus, we are called upon to coexist with other people, other cultures, religions and civilizations more than ever. This cannot happen unless we first
learn to respect what is different and the other’s diversity, to give time and space to dialogue, and to compromise where necessary in order to bridge our differences.
That is precisely the meaning of the Truce.”
The General Secretary of H.A.T.T.A., Mr. Nikolas Kelaitidis, stressed that the villages along the Route of Truce are a privileged area for
the development of eco-tourism, which is experiencing dynamic growth worldwide.
He noted that the development of this tourism product—primarily requiring small-scale facilities—will largely belong to the people of the area.
It will create additional employment and income opportunities, while also contributing to the protection and enhancement of local natural and cultural resources.
He also referred to the benefits for residents and to improvements in the organization and quality of public space (cleanliness, aesthetics, etc.).
It will create additional employment and income opportunities, while also contributing to the protection and enhancement of local natural and cultural resources.
He also referred to the benefits for residents and to improvements in the organization and quality of public space (cleanliness, aesthetics, etc.).
Concluding, Mr. Kelaitidis referred to the conditions described by the World Tourism Organization regarding eco-tourism, noting that the rules and practices
applicable to tourism in general must be even stricter in the case of eco-tourism.
applicable to tourism in general must be even stricter in the case of eco-tourism.
The event was also greeted by Olympic medalist Stelios Mygiakis, Giannis Kouros and Balkan champion in the decathlon Panagiotis Mantis.
(ultramarathon runner)
During the event, videos were screened from the “Olympic Truce Run” activities along the “Eco-tourism route Ilida–Olympia: The Route of Truce”,
as well as a CISM report which includes extensive reference to last year’s Olympic Truce Run.
The coordination and presentation of the event were led by journalist Ms. Chrysa Roumelioti.
In the Museum foyer, a visual arts exhibition titled “In the Footsteps of Olympism” was inaugurated, curated by Art Historian
Ms. Annita Patsouraki.
Ms. Annita Patsouraki.
The exhibition will run until Sunday, April 9.
Participating artists include: ANGELOS (painting), ANGELIDIS PASCHALIS (painting), APERGIS ANTONIS (painting), VALYRAKI MINA (painting),
GEORGAS SPYROS (painting), GKELMPESIS GIORGOS (painting), GOURZIS GIANNIS (printmaking), DIVARI EVA (painting),
EVANGELATOS KOSTAS (painting), ZOUMPOULAKIS PETROS (painting), KANELLOU EVITA (painting), KARKAVITSAS GIANNIS (painting),
KOROVESI AGGELIKI (sculpture), KOURKOULOU MAGDA (painting), KTISTOPOULOU MARIA (painting), LAVDAS APOSTOLOS (painting),
LAZARIDIS KYRIAKOS (painting), PANKRATIDIS PANKRATIS (photography), PANAGIOTIDIS ANGELOS (sculpture), PATSELIS ALTIN (sculpture),
PATSOGLOU ARISTEIDIS (sculpture), PATSOGLOU-RAFTOPOULOU ALEXANDRA (mosaic), SAMOLI MAIRY (sculpture), SPYRIOUNIS KOSTAS (painting),
STATHOPOULOS GIORGOS (painting), TZANOULINOS PRAXITELES (sculpture), FORTSAS DIMITRIS (sculpture), HOULIARAS GIORGOS (sculpture),
CHRISTOGIANNIS DIMITRIS (sculpture).
The event was attended by representatives of the Chiefs of the Armed Forces and Security Corps, distinguished athletes of the Armed Forces and Security Corps,
as well as a large audience.
as well as a large audience.
The April 6 event at the War Museum is the first in a series of events organized by the Federation of Olympia in the name of the Truce and Peace—
which, sadly, in our times remains an aspiration rather than a non-negotiable achievement.
which, sadly, in our times remains an aspiration rather than a non-negotiable achievement.
The Federation of Olympia’s activities continue:
On May 5, a symbolic run will take place from Pnyx to the Panathenaic Stadium, dedicated to the Truce and Peace.
The goal is to connect the ancient with the modern. The choice of Pnyx—the symbol of free spirit and speech—and the Panathenaic Stadium,
the symbol of the modern Olympic Games, is self-explanatory. The organizers’ intention is for the run—led by the President of the
“Grigoris Lambrakis” Foundation—to be dedicated to the need for Truce and Peace in the world, especially at this time in Syria.
The goal is to connect the ancient with the modern. The choice of Pnyx—the symbol of free spirit and speech—and the Panathenaic Stadium,
the symbol of the modern Olympic Games, is self-explanatory. The organizers’ intention is for the run—led by the President of the
“Grigoris Lambrakis” Foundation—to be dedicated to the need for Truce and Peace in the world, especially at this time in Syria.
On May 13, an event dedicated to the Truce will be held in the courtyard of the new Museum of Ancient Ilida.
Finally, on Sunday, May 14, 2017, the “Truce Run” 2017 will take place in Ilia.
Runners will run from Ancient Ilida to Ancient Olympia (49.8 km).
Runners will run from Ancient Ilida to Ancient Olympia (49.8 km).
The event is held under the auspices of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos.
