With the Full Support of the State, the Great Event of the 59th International Children's Games 'OLYMPIA - ELIS 2027' Moves Forward
With the Full Support of the State, the Great Event of the 59th International Children's Games 'OLYMPIA - ELIS 2027' Moves Forward – Excellent Atmosphere in the Meeting of the Ancient Olympia and Elis Municipal Delegation with Yannis Vroutsis and Ilia MPs
An exceptionally warm and constructive meeting was held at the Ministry of Sports in Athens between a joint delegation from the Municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Ilida (Elis) and the Alternate Minister of Sports, Yannis Vroutsis. The meeting, which focused on securing financial and institutional backing for the 59th International Children's Games coming in the summer of 2027 to Ancient Olympia, Amaliada, and Kourouta, was also attended by the region's Members of Parliament (MPs) and executives from the "OLYMPIA - ELIS 2027" Association.
Mr. Vroutsis welcomed the delegation to his office and was thoroughly briefed on the bidding process, the strategic planning of the event, the actions taken by the two municipalities to date, and the increased resource requirements needed to flawlessly prepare for such a massive global sports event.
During the meeting, the Ministry confirmed its intent to actively contribute to the funding and support of the event, recognizing the immense importance of the Games for both Ilia and Greece as a whole.
The Alternate Minister of Sports, Mr. Yannis Vroutsis, underscored that the 59th International Children's Games are a "national goal" and described them as a historic opportunity to globally promote the birthplace of Olympism and its universal values of peace, the Olympic Truce, and fair play.
Furthermore, it was highlighted that this will be the most significant and largest international sports event hosted on Olympic soil—Elis and Olympia—in centuries. It is poised to leave a powerful cultural, social, developmental, and tourism footprint, establishing Ilia as a global focal point for sports and culture.
The Minister explicitly noted that the Games are a national matter and a national target, putting Olympia and Elis back at the center of the global sports map, while pointing out that this specific event can serve as a powerful new benchmark for Greece internationally.
The State will stand as a steadfast ally to the two Municipalities, substantially contributing at all necessary levels to ensure successful preparation and execution. This event carries profound symbolism, connecting sports, culture, history, and the next generation.
Mr. Vroutsis called upon institutional bodies—including the Region of Western Greece, the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), the Union of Regions of Greece (ENPE), the Regional Union of Municipalities (PED) of Western Greece, other co-competent Ministries, the Ilia Chamber of Commerce, local associations, and private sponsors—to join forces with local communities and active citizens to contribute in every way possible to the event's success.
As emphasized, these Games do not just concern Ilia; they represent a unique opportunity for growth, outreach, and international projection of Greece through the timeless values of Sports and the energy of youth.
The meeting at the Ministry included—alongside the Minister, his advisors, and Mayors Aristidis Panagiotopoulos and Christos Christodoulopoulos—Ilia MPs Mr. Andreas Nikolakopoulos, Ms. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, and Mr. Dionysis Kalamatianos, Laconia MP Mr. Neoklis Kritikos, the Greek representative of the ICG International Sports Federation Mr. Nikolaos Tzanakos, the coordinator of the "OLYMPIA - ELIS 2027" Association Mr. Konstantinos Politis, and the respective Games project heads for the two municipalities, Mr. Vasilis Kapsis (Ancient Olympia) and Mr. Kostas Kriotsiotis (Ilida). Ilia MPs Mr. Dimitrios Avramopoulos and Mr. Michalis Katrinis, who were unable to attend due to prior commitments, expressed their full support via telephone during the conference.
STATEMENTS BY OFFICIALS
Aristidis Panagiotopoulos – Mayor of Ancient Olympia:
"Today’s meeting is another vital milestone in the great joint effort of the Municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Elis to host the 59th International Children's Games in 2027. I want to warmly thank the Alternate Minister of Sports, Mr. Yannis Vroutsis, for his sincere spirit of cooperation, substantial interest, and the support he expressed for this historic endeavor. During our meeting, we presented the comprehensive master plan of the event, the actions already executed, and the resources required to ensure the Games are held with absolute success and to high international standards.
Olympia and Elis bear the historic responsibility of bringing back to the global stage the authentic birthplace of Olympic Values. These Games are not just an athletic competition. They are a premier opportunity for cultural renaissance, international outreach, and developmental prospects for all of Ilia and Western Greece. For the first time in centuries, the sacred axis of Elis - Olympia has the opportunity to host a global event that will send powerful messages of peace, fraternity, and cooperation across the world through children and sports.
It is certain that for this national effort to succeed, the contribution of everyone is required: the government, the General Secretariat of Sports, the Region, institutional bodies, sponsors, associations, the local community, and our volunteers, whose role is decisive. United, we can achieve a goal that will leave a powerful legacy for future generations. I want to once again thank Mr. Yannis Vroutsis for his continuous support and the positive response of the Ministry to this great joint effort."
Christos Christodoulopoulos – Mayor of Ilida (Elis):
"Our meeting at the Ministry of Sports officially confirms that the 59th International Children's Games of 2027 are not merely a major sports event, but a national matter—a historic rendezvous of Greece and Ilia with their future. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Alternate Minister, Mr. Yannis Vroutsis, as well as to our regional MPs, for their unreserved support and commitment to turning this vision into a tangible reality.
For the Municipality of Elis, this event closes a historical cycle spanning centuries. Amaliada and Kourouta are preparing to welcome the youth of the planet, precisely where in antiquity the heart of athlete preparation for the Olympic Games used to beat. Today, our historic responsibility is to offer the new generation a modern, safe, and brilliant arena where the universal values of peace, the Olympic Truce, and fair play will resonate loudly around the world once more.
The 2027 Games represent the ultimate opportunity for Elis and the entire region of Ilia to achieve a dynamic economic and tourism restart. By upgrading our infrastructure and leveraging the global exposure this event provides, we are creating a valuable, permanent legacy for our children. We will win this great bet all together. We call upon the Region, institutional bodies, the business world, and above all, every citizen and volunteer, to become a part of this celebration. The Olympic Land is joining forces, and in 2027, Elis will be ready to make history, proving that our homeland remains a bright, global point of reference."
Andreas Nikolakopoulos – MP for Ilia, former Deputy Minister of Citizen Protection:
"Ilia is standing before a major international sporting event, and I am confident that the Municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Elis, who have shouldered the responsibility of hosting the International Children's Games, will manage to present something truly extraordinary—especially with the appropriate backing from the State. This will be a strong test for Greece and Ilia on the very soil that gave birth to the Olympic Games. Flawless organization and excellent preparation to host all participants are the indispensable prerequisites for the best and most successful games in this category.
The competent Ministry has aided the organization from the very first moment, and we take it for granted that it will provide even greater support as we enter the final stretch. The cooperation with our two Municipalities must prove substantial and effective in promoting and highlighting this as one of the greatest sporting events our region and country have ever undertaken."
Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou – MP for Ilia:
"The hosting of the 59th International Children's Games by the municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Elis represents a historic return to the roots, right where the spirit of noble competition and the Olympic Truce was born. In a joint effort with the Alternate Minister of Sports, Mr. Yannis Vroutsis, the Mayors of Ancient Olympia and Elis, and with the assistance of all local bodies and civil society, we are pooling our strengths. Our slogan, 'Where it all began, here they begin again,' expresses our collective will to transform this event into a springboard for growth.
The 2027 Games are a national opportunity that will simultaneously leave a strong and lasting footprint on the local society of Ilia. Through upgrading our infrastructure, promoting sports tourism, and educating the younger generation, we are investing in a permanent legacy for our homeland. As an MP for Ilia, I fully back this effort. Ilia possesses the unique power to inspire children worldwide, teaching them that peace, participation, and solidarity are the values that build a better world. With consistency and strategic planning, we will make Ilia the global benchmark it deserves to be."
Dimitris Avramopoulos – MP for Ilia, former European Commissioner:
"The initiative to organize the 2027 International Children's Games in Ilia is an event of exceptional national, international, and symbolic importance. The Olympic Land, Ancient Olympia, and Elis are called upon to once again send a powerful message of peace, friendship, cooperation, and noble competition to the entire world through the participation of children and the youth.
This is a historic opportunity for Ilia and for Greece. An opportunity to highlight the land where Olympic values were born, to enhance the international profile of the region, and to create a significant developmental, cultural, and social impact. I want to congratulate the Mayors of Ancient Olympia and Elis for the serious, persistent, and systematic work being done, as well as the Alternate Minister of Sports, Mr. Yannis Vroutsis, for the positive response and support of the State in this great endeavor.
The success of the Games is everyone's business. It requires cooperation, consensus, a clear plan, and tangible support from the State, Local Government, institutional bodies, local society, the business community, and volunteers. Both as an MP for Ilia and in my capacity as Honorary President of the World Union of Olympic Cities, I will continue to support this national effort with all my strength, so that in 2027, the Olympic Land finds itself once again at the center of global attention, showcasing the timeless values of Olympism, culture, and the peaceful coexistence of peoples in a modern way.
Finally, in the coming days, during a meeting with the Mayors and the Region, we will discuss the roadmap and subsequent actions required to achieve this vital goal for Greece and Ilia."
Dionysis Kalamatianos – MP for Ilia:
"The upcoming hosting of the 2027 International Children's Games by the Municipalities of Ancient Olympia and Elis constitutes an exceptionally important event for Ilia, the country, and the global community. The State has an obligation to practically support this effort so that this premier event matches its international significance and potent symbolism," noted Dionysis Kalamatianos during the meeting with the Alternate Minister of Sports.
"At a time when the planet is tested by wars, tensions, and vast inequalities, Ancient Olympia and Elis bring forward the true values of sports, sending a powerful message of peace, cooperation, and truce. The International Children's Games foster friendship, solidarity, and respect through athletics, bringing together children from all corners of the world. Concurrently, they offer a tremendous opportunity to project our region and its invaluable cultural heritage, promoting international outreach. Events like this must create a substantial social footprint and be leveraged via a clear plan, leaving a lasting legacy for the new generation."
Michalis Katrinis – MP for Ilia:
"The undertaking of the 2027 International Children's Games by the municipalities of Elis and Ancient Olympia constitutes a major challenge for Ilia and a highly significant sporting event for Greece. The state owes it to practically and timely support this venture, standing as an ally to the efforts of the municipalities and the entirety of Ilia for the successful execution of the games.
In this common effort—a true bet for Ilia—I add my own strengths, calling for the immediate mobilization of all competent bodies and personally of the Alternate Minister of Sports, Mr. Ioannis Vroutsis. Both the Mayors and all Ilia MPs remain in direct and frequent communication with him to achieve our shared goal: for the 2027 international student-athlete games on the Olympic soil of Ilia to be the best ever organized! We can achieve it, we will work collectively, and we will succeed."
Neoklis Kritikos – MP for Laconia:
"I declare myself a volunteer in this great effort by the two municipalities, because Sports unite people! Even more so when it concerns the ICG International Children's Games. It was a great pleasure to be present at the office of the Alternate Minister of Sports, Mr. Ioannis Vroutsis, alongside all my parliamentary colleagues from Ilia, to reinforce and support the major effort undertaken by the capable Mayors of Ancient Olympia and Elis, Mr. Aris Panagiotopoulos and Mr. Christos Christodoulopoulos.
These specific Games, which will be held in the exact locations where the Ancient Olympic Games took place, will be the first after 2,400 years of 'silence.' They will constitute a national event, and that is how we must all view them, starting with the Greek State. The cross-party presence of MPs at the meeting and their unanimous support for the Mayors' efforts provide the initial spark needed to succeed. The 2027 Games will revive the Olympic spirit and pass on the Olympic Ideals to all children of the world, in every corner of the planet.
Having had the good fortune of participating for many years in the ICG with the city of Sparta, and as a former international track and field athlete, I proudly pledge my volunteer support and place myself at the disposal of the Games' Organizing Committee. Best of luck, Ancient Olympia! Best of luck, Elis!"
