The Hellenic Olympic Committee’s Gender Equality Commission held a memorable event, filled with brilliance and deep emotion. Led by Commission President Vasiliki Millousi, this initiative aimed to promote gender equality and recognize the invaluable contributions of women in sports.

The evening featured the awarding of grants to athletes and parent-athletes who participated in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as well as the recognition of women who excelled in significant roles during the games, including coaches, judges, referees, physiotherapists, and administrative staff.

Athletes, accompanied by their families, went on stage to receive their awards, inspiring admiration and showcasing their integrity and strength both on and off the field, always supported by their partners and parents. Among those honored were athletes Kostas Papanikolaou (Basketball), Lefteris Petrounias (Artistic Gymnastics), Makis Mitas (Shooting), Vyron Kokkalanis (Sailing), Giannis Fountoulis (Water Polo), and the remarkable woman-mother of Team Hellas, Alexandra Asimaki (Water Polo). Christian Gkolomeev (Swimming), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Basketball), and Nick Calathes (Basketball) were also awarded.

This event, the final one of the Hellenic Olympic Committee for this Olympic cycle, also honored the women who served as coaches and team leaders in the “Paris 2024” Olympic Games.

Spyros Capralos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, highlighted the crucial importance of balanced representation in positions of responsibility and praised the exceptional efforts of athletes, especially those of parent-athletes. “I would like to congratulate all those who will be honored. It is not only about the reward you receive, but above all the moral value that this reward represents, it recognizes the enormous effort you make as parents while achieving high level sporting performances“, he said.

The ceremony effectively showed the human side of sport beyond the medals and awards, as the Hellenic Olympic Committee demonstrated its ongoing commitment to promoting equality and supporting women who are making a dynamic contribution to sport.