The 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session began with a ceremonial opening on Tuesday in Ancient Olympia, the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games, attended by Hellenic Republic President Constantine Tassoulas.
The prestigious gathering, set to formally open on Wednesday at Costa Navarino in Messinia, will run from March 19 to 21, with a pivotal election for the successor to outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach scheduled for Thursday, March 20.
In his address, President Tassoulas welcomed IOC members to the sacred site where the Olympic flame first ignited, praising Bach for his leadership and pledging Greece’s unwavering support for the incoming president. “Greece will stand as a steadfast ally in upholding the Olympic movement’s ideals,” Tassoulas declared, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to the global institution.
Bach, in his remarks, celebrated Greece as the cradle of both democracy and the Olympic Games, highlighting the enduring connection between the Olympic movement and the pursuit of peace. “In these challenging times, athletes serve as ambassadors of peace, a mission that stands in stark contrast to the current global climate,” he noted, underscoring the timeless relevance of the Games.
The ceremony also featured speeches from Hellenic Olympic Committee President Isidoros Kouvelos and IOC member Spyros Kapralos, reinforcing Greece’s deep ties to the Olympic legacy. Earlier, Tassoulas, Bach, Kouvelos, and Ancient Olympia Mayor Aris Panagiotopoulos planted an olive tree at the Old Town Hall garden, a symbolic gesture of unity and renewal. Following the planting, Tassoulas hosted Bach and IOC members at the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Olympia, where the two leaders held a private bilateral meeting.
As the IOC Session unfolds, the international spotlight turns to Greece, where the election of Bach’s successor will shape the future of the Olympic movement rooted in its ancient origins.