The tri-national programme was completed with the departure of the foreign delegations Erasmus+ «Olympic education: from Ancient Olympia to European practices», with the participation of 52 teachers of different ages and the cooperation of the Lithuanian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Academies of Estonia and Greece, which took place from 18 to 25 April 2023, in Greece.
Teachers from the three countries had the opportunity to be hosted in the excellent facilities of the International Olympic Academy, in the cradle of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia. They were given a guided tour of the Archaeological Site and the Museum of the area, as well as the «Syngreon», which is the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity.
On the initiative and organization of HOA (National Olympic Academy) of Greece, the tour program was already enriched with the arrival of the foreign delegations, with a visit and tour of the Panathenaic Stadium, where the teachers had the opportunity to run on the track, and then with a visit to the Athens Olympic Museum. There they were welcomed by the President of ETHNOA Mr. Giorgos Alikakos. Also during their stay at the International Olympic Academy they had the opportunity to see the Historical Archive of the Olympic Games «Athens 2004», while the visit to the Acropolis and the Parthenon was the best way to say goodbye to Greece, saying they were impressed and keeping forever these precious images, which have already become beautiful memories.
In the purely educational programme, the participants, apart from being introduced to the history of the Ancient Olympic Movement and the analysis of the cultural concepts of Olympism, had the opportunity to get to know, share and exchange best practices of Education, coming from the 3 European countries that participated and their own perspective on the issue. The coexistence and the good mood and willingness of all to become a strong and united team, brought another desirable result, the search and analysis of further opportunities for cooperation between the sectors of offer to young people, Education, Culture and Sport. The programme included excellent lectures, such as the one by Mr. Costas Georgiades, dean of the IOA and member of the Board of Directors of HOA, on the importance of Olympic Education and the concept of Olympism.
The presence of the three delegations at the monument to the Pierre de Coubertin, where their representatives planted, in a strong symbolic gesture, an olive tree and all together listened, with great emotion, to the Olympic Anthem.
Of course, there were also opportunities for relaxation and fun, such as sports games at the Academy's courts, a visit to a nearby beach for swimming, as well as culture and culture nights of each country, which organized an introduction to the other two with customs, traditions, products, habits and many... local dances. During the Greek evening, the winners of various competitions were given the famous... «kotinos» (a wreath made of an olive branch, which was given to the Olympic champions), copies of ancient coins and diplomas of Olympic Values «Eu Agonizesthai» from the HOA. The last day ended again with the Olympic Anthem and loud applause and cheers.
According to the statements of the foreign delegations, the return luggage is heavier, full of knowledge, performances, new ideas and unforgettable memories.
In his statements, the President of the HOA κ. Giorgos Alikakos he stressed: «in the land of Xenos Zeus and in the cradle of the Olympic Games and culture, people capable and worthy to convey, as educators, the message, ideas, principles and values of Olympism and to exchange views and practices on something more relevant than ever. I would like to thank the countries and their representatives who participated. The impressions conveyed to me were the best from all of them, underlining the need for as many people as possible to come to this country and to Ancient Olympia, so that they can now feel in their hearts and souls the meaning and greatness of the Olympic Games and Olympism. For our part, as ETHNOA, we will always be supporters, organisers, partners and supporters of actions that ultimately highlight the priceless heritage of Greece.’.
Finally, I would like to thank Hellenic Olympic Committee for supporting the project and our partners from Estonia and Lithuania and ReeleRemmelkor and Mr. KasparasSileikis for the excellent cooperation.
