The Hellenic Olympic Committee honored its sponsors, presented the new priestesses’ costumes and the Olympic team official uniforms

In a glamourous event held at the premises of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the HOC expressed its gratitude to its sponsors and supporters, introduced the new High Priestess, the new music composer of the Olympic Flame Ceremony, and the new priestesses’ costumes.

In addition, the clothing of the company 4F which will be worn by the Greek delegation at the Olympic Games “Paris 2024”, was presented by six athletes.

The event was opened by the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Spyros Capralos, who began his speech by thanking the sponsors: “We are particularly pleased that you are here today, all the people, companies, and organizations, that have supported and continue to support the Hellenic Olympic Committee in its efforts to help high-level athletes qualify for the Olympic Games.”

“All of you who actively and significantly share our anticipation and enthusiasm. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. However, dear partners and friends, a simple thank you is not enough for all that you have offered us. We have invited you here today to thank you personally and to honour you because without your contribution, we would not have been able to support more than 200 athletes in their Olympic preparation.”

“And these numbers are not just figures or potential distinctions. They represent decades of hard work, sacrifices, and relentless effort. Above all, they are the dreams of young athletes who lift Greece higher every day.”

Deputy Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis was also present at the event. Nikos Iatrou, Chairman of the Marketing Commission of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, also gave a welcoming speech: “In addition to the 15 TOP sponsors of the IOC, we were able to attract: five gold sponsors, two major sponsors, 16 supporters, four collaborating institutions, three academic partners, NOVA as a Gold communication sponsor, and four sponsors who will contribute to the better organization and support of our team in Paris, making a total of 35 sponsors. In addition, we have received over 60 direct sponsorships for our athletes, as part of the ‘Adopt an Athlete’ program that started after the Rio Olympic Games, from an idea of President Mr. Spyros Capralos, and has seen great success. I deliberately saved 2 sponsorships with a ‘special purpose’, as you could call them, for last. The gold sponsorship of the Mytilinaios Group, which together with the sponsorships of the companies SIDENOR and NOE, led to the relocation of the iconic Olympic Rings to the Kallimarmaro Stadium and the internationally renowned Greek designer, Mary Katrantzou.”

Following the ceremony, all sponsors and supporters of the Hellenic Olympic Committee as well as all those involved in the “Adopt an Athlete on the Road to Paris” program were honoured. These special awards were presented by athletes who qualified for the Summer Olympics Games.

The Chairman of the Olympic Torch Relay Commission of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Thanasis Vasileiadis, introduced the new priestess, award-winning actress Mary Mina, and the new composer, internationally recognized Dimitris Papadimitriou. He also announced that “our Nana Mouskouri, the internationally renowned presenter Nikos Aliagas, the internationally acclaimed soprano Joyce DiDonato, the choreographer Artemis Ignatiou as well as the soprano Myrsini Margariti and the tenor Babis Velissarios will be present at the Olympic Lighting ceremony.  Also, the artistic director Fokas Evangelinos, Musical Ensembles, and the choir of ERT, Children Choirs, the female choir CHORES, and the Wolves Team.”

In a particularly moving moment, the Hellenic Olympic Committee, together with the choreographer of the Olympic flame ceremonies, Artemis Ignatiou, honoured former priestess Xanthi Georgiou, composer Giannis Pseimadas and costume designer Eleni Kyriakou.

With a performance by two Priestesses and a Kouros, choreographed by Artemis Ignatiou, the new costumes of the priestesses for the flame ceremonies were presented and applauded by all. The costumes, which incorporate many ancient Greek elements, were created by internationally renowned designer Mary Katrantzou, who was honoured by the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Spyros Capralos, and the Chairman of the Marketing Commission, Nikos Iatrou.