The Greek Olympic family came together in a moving and celebratory event at the Amphitheater of the Hellenic Olympic Committee to honor the athletes who represented Greece in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Organized by the Athletes’ Commission of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and the Hellenic Olympians Association, the ceremony recognized the achievements of the Olympians and their coaches. The event was attended by President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Mr. Spyros Capralos OLY, Secretary General of Sports Mr. Giorgos Mavrotas OLY, representatives of Cypriot sports organizations, the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, and members of the broader Olympic community.

All Olympians who participated in Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as well as Olympians from previous Games, received Certificates of Recognition and post-nominal OLY pins from the World Olympians Association, a distinction known as the “Ph.D. of sports” and globally recognized for its significance.

Special awards were presented to the Head and Deputy Head of Greece’s Paris 2024 Olympic Team, Petros Synadinos and Iakovos Filippousis, for their leadership and contribution.

An emotional highlight was the recognition of the Cypriot Association of Olympians (KESOA) and the Athletes’ Commission of the Cyprus Olympic Committee for their successes, particularly the silver medal achieved by Cypriot sailor Pavlos Kontides OLY.

The event also showcased the unveiling of the Hellenic Olympians Association’s new logo, symbolizing the organization’s transition into a new era. The design, sponsored by the company ABOVE, was presented by its director, Mr. Yiannis Papadimitriou, who shared the inspiration behind the concept.

Two important awards established by the Greek Olympians were also presented during the evening. The “Make Place for One More Woman” award, part of the Hellenic Olympians Association’s gender equality initiative, was given to Mrs. Zozo Christodoulou, the first Greek woman to run the Athens Marathon in 1974, breaking stereotypes about women’s ability to compete in endurance sports. The “Olympic Green Values” award, part of the Hellenic Olympians Association’s environmental program, was presented to sailing Olympian Virginia Kravarioti OLY for her efforts to use sports as a platform to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

In his speech, Mr. Spyros Capralos OLY congratulated the Greek delegation for their achievements in Paris and welcomed the new Olympians into the Hellenic Olympians Association. He also reiterated the request to the Greek government to create career opportunities for Olympians who achieve placements from 4th to 8th in the Olympic Games, emphasizing that reaching an Olympic final is a remarkable accomplishment.

Mrs. Voula Kozompoli OLY, President of the Hellenic Olympians Association and Athletes’ Commission, also expressed her pride in the new Olympians, emphasizing the close bond between Greek and Cypriot athletes and reaffirming the Olympic family’s commitment to promoting sports and health. She also highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to address broader social issues through innovative programs and initiatives.