In the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoula, the opening ceremony of the 144th Synod of the International Olympic Committee was held at the International Olympic Committee at the premises of the International Olympic Academy, during which his successor will be elected.

The President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, after welcoming the members of the ILO to the historical place where the Olympics were born, expressed his gratitude to the outgoing President of the Commission, Thomas Bach, for his work and emphasized us, among others: And this support will remain indisputable, acting as a helper in its work in preserving the ideals of the Olympic movement. “

At the same time, Mr. Tasoulas testified, “as a wish”, as he characteristically emphasized, his thought of establishing the election of the ILO president to be held in Ancient Olympia, “… as the symbolism he transmits, as a sacred birthplace and eternal soul, In this way you would contribute to the faithful passage of the Olympic heritage. “

“In a dizzying international environment, under the weight of multiple challenges, the concept of truce becomes more timely than ever, being a powerful symbol of peace and dialogue. In this light, the role of the International Olympic Committee is of primary importance, as it contributes to the promotion of the coexistence of peoples and the peaceful resolution of disputes, “the President of the Republic also emphasized, assuring that Greece,” as a cradle of Olympus, but also a crazy, Ideals of peace, humanity and justice. “

The chairman of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, made special reference to Greece as a birthplace of the Republic of the Olympic Games, while standing in the unequivocal bond of Olympism with peace. “At a time like today, athletes are ambassadors of peace. In a time like today, the idea of ​​promoting peace through sport is intense contrast to the spirit of the time, “said the outgoing ILO president, who also pointed out that” the Olympic Games and Values ​​that represent them, “

The guests from all over the world were welcomed by the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos, who stressed, inter alia: “The start of the election of the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee is an event of the utmost importance and symbolism, which takes place in ancient Olympia. Today, in a world covered with uncertainty, Olympia rises as an eternal lighthouse of peace, unity and unlimited spirit of mankind. Here, where the Olympic ideals were brought for the first time, we are reminded that sport can build bridges where others stand up. Faced with the turmoil, the Olympic flame does not flicker, it burns brighter than ever, inviting us to embrace not what divides us, but everything that unites us. “

The ILO member in Greece, Spyros Capralos, in his address, reiterated his proposal to hold the elections for the election of the Commission Chairman always in ancient Olympia.

The artistic part of the Startment Ceremony was inspired and created by the choreographer of the Olympic Flame Flame ceremonies, Artemis Ignatius, presenting a percussion event that symbolizes the heart of Baron Pierre de Cuberten who hits ancient Olympia, as well as traditional dances.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the symbolic planting of an olive tree was preceded by the Garden of the Old Town Hall of Ancient Olympia, by the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoula, the President of the ILO, Thomas Bach, the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. Subsequently, Mr. Tasoulas welcomed the President and members of the International Olympic Committee at the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Olympia, and had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Bach.

The work of the ILO’s 144th Session begins tomorrow (19/3) in Messinia and on Thursday 20/3 the election will be held to appoint the new chairman of the Commission.