The International Olympic Academy (IOA) and Alpha Bank are launching a three-year sponsorship partnership, united by a shared commitment to supporting and further advancing the IOA’s educational mission to promote the values and principles of Olympism in Greece and internationally.

The partnership brings together two leading organisations with a long-standing presence and distinctive contribution in the fields of education, culture, sport and social responsibility, creating a framework for joint initiatives centered on knowledge, participation, sustainable development and the values of Olympism.

Under the three-year agreement, Alpha Bank, as Gold Sponsor, will provide financial support to the International Olympic Academy, enabling it to further develop its educational activities through the organisation of international and national educational programmes, conferences, seminars and Olympic Education initiatives, as well as the development and dissemination of educational and scientific material related to the Olympic Movement. The partnership will also support the continued high-standard maintenance and utilisation of the IOA’s unique educational facilities in Ancient Olympia.

At the same time, the partnership will strengthen initiatives promoting the fundamental values of Olympism - Excellence, Respect and Friendship - as well as inclusion, intercultural cooperation and lifelong learning.

The Honorary “Lysicrates” Distinction

As part of the Opening Ceremony of the 66th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors, held on 7 June 2026, Alpha Bank was presented with the honorary “Lysicrates” distinction, in recognition of the Bank’s continued support and substantial contribution to the promotion of the Olympic Movement and the values of sport.

The distinction was presented by the President of the IOA, Prof. Charilaos Tsolakis, to Alpha Bank Chairman of the Board, Mr Dimitris Tsitsiragos, and the Bank’s CEO, Mr Vassilis Psaltis.

The First Joint Initiative in Ancient Olympia

The partnership took its first practical form with the organisation of the “Alpha Olympic Experience” at the facilities of the International Olympic Academy in Ancient Olympia.

Alpha Bank employees from different regions of Greece, together with their families, participated in a four-day programme offering a unique opportunity to discover Ancient Olympia, explore the principles of Olympism and experience the values championed by the Olympic Movement through educational, sporting, cultural and experiential activities.

This first joint initiative, designed with a focus on Alpha Bank’s people and the values shared by both Alpha Bank and the IOA, reflects the philosophy underpinning the new partnership: the values of Olympism should not merely be subjects of education and discussion, but should be transformed into lived experiences and shared moments.

Statement by the President of the International Olympic Academy, Prof. Charilaos Tsolakis

“The partnership between the International Olympic Academy and Alpha Bank represents an important collaboration that enables us to further strengthen the Academy’s educational and social mission. From Ancient Olympia, a place of global significance and unique symbolism, we seek to create opportunities for young people from around the world to discover, discuss and bring the values of Olympism into society. Alpha Bank’s tangible support makes an important contribution to this effort, and we look forward to a creative partnership that will leave a meaningful and lasting legacy.”

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