U.N President, Hunte calls for ‘ekecheiria’ Calling for a 16 days traditional truce, Hunte said: “While conflicts in the World will not cease overnight, if we could have peace for 16 days, then maybe, just maybe, we could have it forever.” The Athens2004 Olympic Games will open next Friday, August 13 in Athens, where the first modern Games were held in 1896 after their revalidation by the French businessman Pierre de Courbertin. Hunte believes the sacred Greek tradition of 'ekecheiria' (truce) was the cornerstone of the Olympic Games in ancient times, providing safety and a peaceful environment for both athletes and spectators alike. “Its very adoption was dictated by the oracle of Delphi as a way to put an end to the wars that at the time devastated the Peloponnese. The longest-lasting peace accord in history was thus created,” he said in an IOC newsletter. “In times of violence and uncertainty, of war and struggle, when security becomes a pressing concern, we must always remember that defensive mechanisms need to be paralleled by resolute efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among peoples and governments, and to adhere to the ideas for which the Olympic Truce stands.” President of the Nigeria Olympians Association, Smart Akraka last week also called for 'truce' in all "areas of ethnic conflicts in Nigeria as a show of fratenity with the Olympics spirit during the duration of these XXVIII Games in the birthplace of the Olympics." By Jo Benson 0
Not Registered yet ? Click here to Register. |
More SportsSport Vote |
