The President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Konstantinos Tasoulas, officially declared the opening of the 65th International Session of the International Olympic Academy for Young Olympic Ambassadors, held on the Hill of Pnyx.

During the opening ceremony, the International Olympic Academy and the Hellenic Olympic Committee honored the outgoing President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, for his significant contribution to the global Olympic and sports movement. Presidents Charilaos Tsolakis and Isidoros Kouvelos presented the award to the IOC President.

For ten days, at the IOA facilities in Ancient Olympia, 175 young men and women from around the world are participating in an international forum of free expression and exchange of ideas and practices on issues related to the Olympic Movement. Through lectures by prominent speakers, they will be transformed into permanent ambassadors of Olympism.

The main theme of the Session, which will run until June 19, is: “The Future of Sport”, and the special topic is: “The Olympic Movement and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges.”

The President of the International Olympic Academy, Charilaos Tsolakis, welcomed the young participants from 102 National Olympic Committees, emphasizing: “Dear young people, starting tomorrow, and for the next 10 days, you will be in Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, to analyse all of the above issues with the guidance of distinguished personalities from the worlds of education and the Olympic family. You are truly fortunate to be in an environment that inspires, motivates, and unites — a place where Olympic values prevail and where you will have the opportunity to exchange views, present ideas, and propose solutions to challenges facing sport and society. But you are especially fortunate because you will form new friendships that will last a lifetime, friendships that transcend borders and prejudices, politics and ideologies, coexisting with diverse cultures that share your passion. Thus, you will become citizens of the world who will contribute positively to your societies through understanding and promoting the Olympic ideals and principles of the Olympic Movement.”

The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Isidoros Kouvelos said: “As someone who has had the honour to serve for many years as President of the International Olympic Academy, I have witnessed the power of Olympic Education to transcend borders, to unite youth in common purpose, and to cultivate the timeless values of respect, excellence, and solidarity. During my presidency, we worked tirelessly to enhance the IOA’s vision and role—expanding its reach beyond Olympia and beyond Greece, with programmes and collaborations that carried the Olympic Values to new corners of the world. Now, as the newly elected President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, I reaffirm my commitment to this work and to the IOA’s mission. I strongly believe that the IOA must continue to serve as the heart of the Olympic Movement’s educational vision. From my new position, I will do everything in my power to strengthen the IOA institutionally and practically, offering support, collaboration, and shared goals.”

The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, began his speech with words of gratitude. “It is always such an emotional moment to gather here. With the inspiring backdrop of the Acropolis, what better place than the Hill of Pnyx to reflect on the two great gifts of Greek civilisation to the world: democracy and the Olympic Games – both born here in Greece, and both shaping our world to this very day. The Olympic Movement is forever grateful to Greece for these precious gifts. Our admiration is even greater, when we see how they have stood the test of time. This is why we are so honoured and privileged that the President of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Constantinos Tassoulas, is joining us today. Your presence, Mr. President, highlights the unique role that Greece plays in the Olympic Movement and shows the continued relevance of our noble Greek heritage.”

Among those who attended the Ceremony were former Prime Minister George Papandreou, Secretary General of Sports Giorgos Mavrotas, IOC Member and President of the European Olympic Committees Spyros Capralos, Secretary General of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Stefanos Chandakas, members of the Ephoria of the International Olympic Academy, and members of the Plenary Session of the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
The musical programme was dedicated to the great Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth, and the event was presented by Alexis Kostalas.
The ERT Contemporary Music Orchestra, conducted by Giorgos Aravidis, and the Athenian Conservatory Youth Choir, conducted by Alexandra Mitsopoulou, performed the musical parts.