Hellenic NOC President Hails Peace and Sport Forum

(ATR) The Ancient Stadium of Rhodes served as a spectacular setting as Peace and Sport highlighted numerous initiatives while provoking dialogue among its diverse group of participants.

The Monaco-based, neutral organization, under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, has traditionally held its annual Forum at home. The shift of venue to the shores of Greece’s Aegean Sea was a welcome and inspiring change.

Hellenic national Olympic committee president SpyrosCapralos called the event a success.

"I believe that the Olympic ideals through these six hours of seminar were passed on to many people,"Capralos tellsAround the Ringsduring an interview in the ancient stadium.

"There has been excellent attendance – many ministers from regional countries were here and they participated and contributed with what they are doing in their countries," the Greek NOC leader said. "They can be the best ambassadors of Peace and Sport."

The theme of the one-day regional forum – a collaboration between Peace and Sport and the South Aegean region of Greece – held on Oct. 18 was "Societies in Motion: Rising up through Sport." Attendees included international organizations,NGOs, sport leaders, government officials, academia, Champions for Peace athletes and othersseeking to maximize the use of sport for positive social change.

JoelBouzou, Peace and Sport’s president and founder, summed up the mission and accomplishments of the new regional format in Rhodes.

"This Forum set off a new way of thinking and acting,"Bouzou said. "I do hope that it will have helped to specify adapted initiatives that will, in return, transform societies and leave a sustainable legacy for generations to come.

"I believe that debates and discussions held today will offer a unique opportunity for delegates to build strong relationships and partnerships, and that it will promote cooperation and dialogue between countries from the Mediterranean region."

Bouzou added:"We have paved the way for the future."

The Peace and Sport Awards concluded the Forum. Eight international and regional organizations and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to peace, dialogue and social change in the world through sport were honored.

The 2018 Awards winners are:

Champion of the Year:BlaiseMatuidi

Sport Simple Program of the Year:FundaciónBuenPunto

Diplomatic Action of the Year:U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division with the University of

Tennessee’s Center for Sport

Special Jury Prize: The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for bringing North and South Korea hockey players together.

Regional Peace-Through-Sport Initiative of the Year: American Community Schools ofAthensRegional Sport Organization of the Year: Hope Refugee F.C.

Regional NGO of the Year:Budo for Peace

April 6 Initiative of the Year: Ministry of Youth and Sports of BahrainSport

"Now it's calm waters" for Greek NOC

Capralos also informed ATR that recent economic improvements in Greece have positively affected the Greek NOC and its athletes.

"After the initial troubles that we had, now it's calm waters – everything is functioning well,"Capralos said. "We’re trying to assist the athletes on the road to Tokyo 2020.

"The new program ‘Adopt an Athlete On the Way to Tokyo’ is on. We’ve managed to cover all our athletes for medical and also we’re trying to find specific sponsors to help them get their qualifications."

Capralos noted that allathlete funding is private through the efforts of the Greek NOC.

He also says five Greek athletes have already qualified for Tokyo 2020 – four in sailing,and Rio 2016 shooting gold medalist AnnaKorakaki.

Capralos proudly noted that Greece won its first-ever Youth Olympic Games gold medals in Buenos Aires, with top of the podium finishes in rowing, sailing and athletics.

Written and reported by Brian Pinelli

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