On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Metropolis of Zambia and Mozambique, along with the Honorary Consulate General of Greece in Lusaka, hosted an event to honor two Greek Olympian winners, Athanasia Tsoumeleka and Georgios Tselilis. The ceremony was attended by diplomatic authorities, official guests, members of the Olympic Committee of Zambia, athletes, journalists, and a large gathering of people.
The event commenced with a welcoming address by Metropolitan John, who spoke about the values of the Olympic Ideal as a guiding principle for life. He emphasized its importance in preventing negative social phenomena among youth, such as violence and drug abuse. He also highlighted the significance of the Olympic truce, a legacy from ancient Greece, and its relevance today in maintaining global peace amidst ongoing conflicts.
A minute of silence was observed, during which attendees held lit candles and olive branches while offering prayers for peace. Young girls in traditional uniforms carried the Olympic flame and performed traditional Greek dances, adding a cultural touch to the solemn moment.
The two Greek Olympians, visibly moved, shared their experiences and the spirit of the Olympic Games, inspiring all present. They then planted two olive trees, symbols of peace, beside the bust of Dionysios Solomos in the Metropolis area.
The event concluded with demonstrations of the athletes’ sports—weightlifting and race walking—by the Olympians. The attendees enjoyed traditional Greek delicacies and engaged in Greek and local dances, celebrating the evening with joy and camaraderie.
This memorable event highlighted the enduring values of the Olympic Ideal and fostered a spirit of unity and peace.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
