A contingent of Greek and Cypriot Olympic medallists has been honoured for their sporting achievements at this summer’s Paris Games by the Hellenic Community of Monaco, which hosted a two-day celebration to mark the athletes’ visit to the Principality earlier this month.
On 13th and 14th November, the Hellenic Community of Monaco welcomed a delegation of Greek and Cypriot athletes who had won medals at the Olympic Games in Paris this past summer.
The athletes’ visit began with an intimate gathering at the Stelios Foundation’s Conference Hall, where members of the Hellenic Community of Monaco met and personally congratulated the Greek and Cypriot Olympic medallists of Paris 2024.
Organised by Ekaterini Lanara, the president of the Hellenic Community of Monaco, and the association’s board of directors, the event brought together sports enthusiasts and supporters in a relaxed atmosphere. Monaco Life was in attendance to witness this inspiring moment, where attendees heard firsthand stories of determination and triumph from the athletes themselves.
“It’s such a great honour to be here in Monaco among the Greek and Cypriot community; their support and passion push us and help us pursue our goals,” Cypriot sailor Pavlos Kontides shared with Monaco Life. “I hope in four years to repeat a similar success in the Los Angeles Olympic Games, which will also be my last Olympic Games.”
Monaco Life also spoke to Greek judoka Theodoros Tselidis, who remarked, “This is my first time in Monaco, and I am truly grateful to be here. I hope to visit more often in the future, and I deeply appreciate all the incredible support the Hellenic Community of Monaco has given us. I look forward to continuing to achieve great results and making everyone proud.”
The following day, on 14th November, the Hellenic Community of Monaco hosted a gala dinner at the Yacht Club de Monaco in honour of the athletes.
The event was graced by the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco, who presented awards to the celebrated athletes in a memorable tribute to their achievements.
Lanara warmly welcomed the guests, saying, “The Hellenic Community of Monaco was founded over 70 years ago, and it is an honour to represent our vibrant community of 450 members.”
Spyros Capralos, the president of the European and Hellenic Olympic Committees, who was also present at the gala, added, “It is a true honour to stand before you tonight, especially in the presence of Prince Albert II. This gala celebrates the unwavering dedication and commitment of our athletes, whose outstanding performances have brought immense pride and distinction to Greece and Cyprus.”
The gala featured a vibrant cultural programme, including live performances by Alessandro Ristori and the Portofinos, a piano recital by Nicos Ropaitis, and a DJ set by Avgoustinos. Marietta Chrousala Patitsa served as the evening’s MC, guiding attendees through a night filled with celebration and pride.
Guests were also treated to a special screening of a clip showcasing the journey of the Olympic flame from Greece to France via Monaco, symbolising the connection between the nations.
See more: Crowd cheers on as Princely Family take Olympic flame during historic stop in Monaco
Among those honoured on the night were the aforementioned silver medallist Kontides and bronze medallist Tselidis, as well as Apostolos Christou, who earned a silver medal in the 200m backstroke; Antonios Papakonstantinou and Petros Gkaidatzis, bronze winners in the men’s lightweight double sculls; bronze medallists Zoi Fitsiou and Milena Kontou, who competed in the women’s lightweight double sculls; pole vaulter Emmanouil Karalis, who achieved a bronze medal; wrestler Dauren Kurugliev for his bronze medal; and fellow bronze medallist Eleftherios Petrounias, who competed in men’s artistic gymnastics.
“Monaco is a land of great sports events, and the Olympic values are etched into our culture,” said Prince Albert at the gala. “I sincerely congratulate all the athletes present and the results they achieved at the Paris Olympics.”
Prince Albert also announced that Monaco has been named the World Capital of Sport for 2025, saying that it is “a title that perfectly complements the spirit of this evening’s celebration.”
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Prince Albert II of Monaco is pictured with the Greek and Cypriot 2024 Olympic medallists at the Yacht Club de Monaco
Photo source: Hellenic Community of Monaco