Olympia and Ilida (Elis) officially awarded the 2027 International Children's Games in Tallinn – The heart of the world will beat in Ilia!

August 4, 2025, goes down in history as a day of global recognition for Ilia. In Tallinn, Estonia, the Municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Ilida (Elis) officially received the mandate to host the 59th International Children's Games "OLYMPIA – ELIS 2027", during a moment that moved everyone in attendance with the power of its vision and the historical continuity of the Olympic Ideal.

Faced with strong competing candidacies from Seoul, Hamilton, Mumbai, and Riyadh, the unity, faith, and vision of the two Greek municipalities shone through.

The presentation of the Olympic lands—Elis, the birthplace and organizer of the ancient Games, and Olympia, the sacred ground where the Olympic Ideal was realized—profoundly moved and inspired the 19 members of the ICG Executive Committee. They unanimously gave the green light for the Games to return to their place of birth.

The announcement was made by the President of the ICG, Mr. Igor Topole, who emphasized that:

"The selection of Elis and Olympia is not merely an honorary return to the roots, but a global message of peace, friendship, and childhood hope."

During the presentation, the official logo for the 2027 Games was unveiled. It was strongly emphasized that the 59th International Children's Games do not just concern the two municipalities of Ilia; rather, their success constitutes a primary national goal for Greece.

The official slogan of the event was also revealed: "Where it all began, here they begin again!"

The Mayors were accompanied to the Estonian capital by their respective Deputy Mayors for Sports: Mr. Antonis Chrysanthakopoulos (Municipality of Ancient Olympia) and Mr. Giorgos Krallis (Municipality of Ilida). The delegation also included Mr. Charis Spiliopoulos (Main Opposition Municipal Councilor) and Mr. Andreas Gerasimopoulos (Director of Administrative and Financial Services) from Ancient Olympia, alongside Mr. Giannis Athanasopoulos (Deputy Mayor for Education) and Mr. Akis Chouzouris (General Secretary) from the Municipality of Ilida.

The presentation was delivered by the Special Advisor to the Mayor of Ancient Olympia, Mr. Vasilis Kapsis, who also drafted the bidding dossier in collaboration with the Special Associate to the Mayor of Ilida, Mr. Kostas Kriotsiotis.

STATEMENT BY THE MAYOR OF ANCIENT OLYMPIA, MR. ARISTIDIS PANAGIOTOPOULOS:
"Today is a milestone not only for Olympia and Elis, but for the whole of Greece. Being awarded the 2027 International Children's Games is an immense validation and a tremendous responsibility. With enthusiasm, emotion, and a full awareness of our historic mission, we commit to delivering an event worthy of history, of the children, and of the Olympic Spirit. Today marks the start of our great journey toward 2027, with the sole objective of making history on both a local and international level."

STATEMENT BY THE MAYOR OF ILIDA (ELIS), MR. CHRISTOS CHRISTODOULOPOULOS:
"Elis and Olympia—the wombs of the Ancient Olympic Games—reunite through sports, once again stepping into the role of hosts for a major international event. Today's decision is an unprecedented achievement that fills us with honor and responsibility. We will work with dedication, consistency, and passion so that the International Children's Games 'OLYMPIA – ELIS 2027' go down in history as a shining example of international cooperation, peace, and hope. From today on, Ilia is not just preparing for a major sports event. It is preparing to inspire once more. For the children of the world, for our homeland, for tomorrow."