The 59th International Children's Games 'OLYMPIA – ELIS 2027' on Track for Implementation – Another Joint Meeting of the Governing Bodies

In an atmosphere of absolute unity, high operational responsibility, and with all eyes fixed on 2027, a new joint meeting of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Committee of the Organizing Association for the 59th International Children's Games was held at the Ancient Olympia Town Hall.

The meeting, which also included members of the newly established Organizing Committee, cements the shared path of the Municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Ilida (Elis). The two historic municipalities are joining forces once again under the light of their shared heritage, aiming to host a sports event of global stature.

The meeting was led by the two Mayors spearheading the effort: the Mayor of Ancient Olympia and President of the Association, Mr. Aristidis Panagiotopoulos, and the Mayor of Ilida and Vice President, Mr. Christos Christodoulopoulos.

Also participating in the working session were the Deputy Mayors for Sports, Mr. Giorgos Krallis (Ilida) and Mr. Antonis Chrysanthakopoulos (Ancient Olympia), Advisory Committee members Mr. Nikos Tzanakos (Member of the ICG Executive Committee), Mr. Giorgos Devves (former Mayor of Ancient Olympia), and Mr. Kostas Krietsiotis (Associate to the Mayor of Ilida) as well as Organizing Committee members Mr. Kostas Politis, Mr. Vasilis Kapsis, and Ms. Dionysia Chrysanthopoulou.

During the session, the technical details of the event were thoroughly analyzed, and strict timelines were set for the upcoming phases.

Specifically, action items to be completed by the summer were defined. Chief among them is the official presentation of Greece at the 58th Games 'ICG HUALIEN 2026' in Taiwan, where the delegations from Elis and Olympia will officially receive the ICG flag, taking over the baton as the next host region.

The core ambition of both Municipalities is for the 59th International Children's Games to be far more than just a sports meet. The ultimate goals are:
• To showcase the land of Ilia as the cradle of the universal values of Olympism and the Olympic Truce.
• To build a global "bridge" of friendship for the youth through an athletic, educational, and cultural celebration.
• To secure a lasting legacy of infrastructure and international outreach for the future of the region.

The Municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Elis continue to collaborate seamlessly to ensure that "OLYMPIA - ELIS 2027" will be remembered as a gold standard of hospitality and culture.