Greek President inaugurates new International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia

The President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou inaugurated the renovated facilities of the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia, highlighting the importance  of the Academy, which has evolved into a body of international recognition always aiming at the protection and the scientific foundation of the Olympic ideal.

During her speech, Ms. Sakellaropoulou argued that the Academy is an international forum for free expression and exchange of ideas between people from different backgrounds, in a spirit of solidarity, friendship and mutual respect, and expressed her joy at the inauguration of the renovated facilities, which over time and especially with the fire of 2007 had suffered serious damage and damage.

Ms. Sakellaropoulou also thanked the President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, who financially supported the upgrade work, after responding generously to the request of the President of the International Olympic Academy Isidoros Kouvelos.

The inauguration ceremony was  preceded by the President's tour of the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee.

The President  Katerina Sakellaropoulou and the President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach symbolically planted an olive tree in the area of ​​the Pierre DeCoubertin Column.

Today, the Greek President will attend the Torch Lighting Ceremony of the Olympic Flame of the XXIV Winter Olympic Games "Beijing 2022" at the Stadium of Ancient Olympia.