His Excellency the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Konstantinos A. Tasoulas, officially declared the opening of the 66th International Session of the International Olympic Academy for Young Olympic Ambassadors during a ceremony held at Pnyx Hill in Athens.

Addressing the Young Olympic Ambassadors from around the world, the President of the International Olympic Academy, Professor Charilaos Tsolakis, stated:

“For 65 consecutive years, this Session has offered selected young people from all over the world the opportunity to live in Ancient Olympia for approximately two weeks, experiencing the sounds and the authentic essence of the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Within this environment, they discuss and commit themselves to values and principles that not only form the foundation of the entire modern Olympic Movement but also shape the future of global sports.

This long history of the Institution reminds us that the values we discuss today are not merely ideals, but living elements that guide our path and ensure the timelessness of Olympism.

The INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY is recognised as the global centre for education in and through Olympism, shaping future generations of role models, leaders, and changemakers.  The IOA provides a transformational experience that contributes to the holistic development of the individual, both personally and professionally.”

The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos, also addressed the participants. “Greece has a unique relationship with the Olympic idea. The ancient Games were born in Olympia. The modern Games began in Athens. The
International Olympic Academy grew in the sacred land of Olympia as the educational heart of the Olympic Movement. The Hellenic Olympic Committee continues to serve this heritage with pride and with a strong sense of duty.
For me personally, the International Olympic Academy holds a very deep place in my life. I had the honour to serve as its President for sixteen years. During those years, I saw Olympia touch people in a way that few places can. I saw people from different cultures find common ground, build friendships and return home with a stronger sense of purpose and stronger belief in the power of Olympic values. Olympia has this power.
When you arrive there, take time to look around you. Walk slowly. Listen carefully. Speak openly. Let the place do part of the teaching. Olympia will not give you ready answers. It will invite you to ask better questions, ” Mr Kouvelos said among other remarks.

The message of the President of the International Olympic Committee, Mrs Kirsty Coventry, was delivered by Mr Spyros Capralos, Member of the IOC Executive Board and President of the European Olympic Committees. Among other things, he noted: “For the Olympic Movement, Greece is not only the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Greece reminds us of our responsibility to carry values across generations.

Greece has marked many important moments in my own Olympic journey. Just over a year ago, I was elected IOC President here. And later in 2025, in Ancient Olympia, I had the privilege of attending my first flame-lighting ceremony as IOC President, ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. But my connection to Greece goes back much further. The Athens 2004 Olympic Games changed my life – not only as an athlete, but as a person.”

A special moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the “Lysikrates” Honorary Distinction to Alpha Bank. The award was presented by the IOA President’s Advisor, Dr Dionysis Gangas, in recognition of the Bank’s valuable sponsorship, trust, and substantial support for the Academy’s work, as well as its longstanding contribution to the promotion of the Olympic Movement and the values of sport.

The award was received by Alpha Bank CEO Mr Vassilis Psaltis and Chairman of the Board Mr Dimitris Tsitsiragos from IOA President Professor Charilaos Tsolakis, together with Mr Isidoros Kouvelos.

The 66th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors, which will continue until 18 June at the International Olympic Academy premises in Ancient Olympia, brings together 153 young participants from 95 countries, alongside 15 coordinators and 11 internationally renowned lecturers and speakers.

Among those attending the Opening Ceremony at Pnyx Hill were the State Secretary General of Sports, Giorgos Mavrotas, the Secretary General of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Stefanos Chandakas, the President of the National Olympic Academy, Dimosthenis Tampakos, members of the HOC Plenary Assembly, and numerous distinguished guests.

The National Anthem, the Olympic Anthem, and the musical programme accompanying the ceremony were performed by the ERT National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michalis Oikonomou and the ERT Choir under the direction of Valeri Oreski. The ceremony was presented by Mr Alexis Kostalas.