Following the successful camp of 2022, the exceptional Imagine Peace Juniors Camp, is coming again in the summer of 2023!

IMAGINE PEACE JUNIORS CAMP for 10-16 years, is an Experiential & Educational program on Ancient Greek Sports & Ideals realized on the premises of the International Olympic Academy, from July 21st to 29th 2023, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture & Sport and the Municipality of Ancient Olympia. 

The organizers are the International Olympic Truce Center & Sportcamp Youth Sports Training Center.

The program is supported by the Ministry of Migration & Asylum, the Hellenic Olympic Winners Association and the International Olympic Academy.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC TRUCE CENTRE

Olympic Truce is the longest peace accord in human history.

The International Olympic Truce Centre is an international non-governmental organisation, which operates within the framework of the Olympic movement. Its mission is to promote the notion of the Olympic Truce and the Olympic Ideals, to serve peace and friendship and to cultivate international understanding by mobilizing the youth of the world in the prevention and resolution of tension through sport.

 

SPORTCAMP

The largest & most comprehensive operator for Sports Tours & Camps in Greece, with highly educated and experienced staff.

Cooperates with a wide network of sports federations, clubs, schools and organizations for the provision of customized programs including education, sports training and cultural elements related to the history of Greece, hosting many groups from Europe, US and Asia every year.

A Reliable and professional Sports Camps & Events Organizer, with more than 40 years of experience.

 

IMAGINE PEACE JUNIORS CAMP

The Imagine Peace Juniors Camp is designed for children and teenagers 10 to 16 years old coming from all over the world, organised by the International Olympic Truce Centre in collaboration with SPORTCAMP. Through this unique opportunity participants have the chance to practice ancient sports, learn about the notion of the Olympic Truce and explore how its values can influence daily life and behaviour. The participants will experience activities according to their age category:Juniors aged 10-12 and Teens aged 13-16

 

THE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF FOUR MAIN PILLARS:

Ancient Greek sports ,Olympic Truce Ideals, Respecting Diversity & Friendship

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

1. PANKRATION
Pankration was a discipline introduced in the 648 bC Greek Olympic Games. The athletes used boxing and wrestling, as well as kicks, holds, joint-locks and chokes on the ground, technics with close similarities to modern mixed martial arts. The term comes from the Greek Παγκράτιον [Paŋkrátion]- meaning “All the power”: a combination of the words “πᾶν (pan) –all” and “κράτος (kratos)-strength, might, power”. In Greek mythology, it is said that Hercules and Theseus invented Pankration, by using wrestling and boxing in their combats. The heroes have defeated the Lion of Nemea and the Minotaur of the Labyrinth accordingly, with Pankration techniques. At the Camp, the participants will become familiar to Pankration discipline by experienced and professional athletes and coaches, approved by the Hellenic Federation of Pankration. A demonstration will initially take place and then the participants will engage with the athletes, separate into pairs and try out certain techniques.

2. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: OLYMPIC IDEALS, OLYMPIC TRUCE & RESPECTING DIVERSITY
An educational and interactive training program emphasizing on the Olympic Ideals, Olympic Truce, Peace and Respect of Diversity. Specialized educators and trainers of the International Olympic Truce Center will introduce these values, primarily with theoretical lessons, where the participants get familiar with the terms, their meaning and importance. Interactive workshops, games, social interaction and teamwork, will help the participants incorporate these values, embrace the Olympic spirit and implement it in their everyday lives.

3. MEET THE CHAMPIONS
An once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Olympic Champions and medalists from major sport disciplines and get inspired by them as role models! The Champions will first introduce themselves and discuss meaningful aspects of their lives. In a relevant seminar, they will speak about their experiences, show videos of their achievements and hold an open discussion with the participants. Apart from engaging with ex-Olympic medalists in their daily routines, the participants will practice the Champions’ corresponding sport disciplines on the field, with their help and guidance. Four Olympic medalists and one Paralympic medalist will take part, while the sports disciplines range from handball and basketball, to archery and soccer.

4. PRESENTATION AND SIMULATION OF THE ANCIENT GREEK OLYMPIC GAMES
A fun-filled and educational day, where the participants will experience a full simulation of the ancient Olympic Games and take part in all the stages, including competing in various sports, ceremonies and symbolisms. In the begging, a seminar of the Ancient Greek Olympic Games and their history will be conducted, by a specialized athlete/coach, thus making an introduction to the most famous Games of all times. 

The participants will then simulate the Games: conduct the opening ceremony, dress in special clothes, play musical instruments of that time and follow all the symbolisms and ceremonial process. Then the participants will compete in ancient Greek Olympic Sports, such as: pentathlon, javelin, sphere, long jump and running. The participants will take up various roles as judges, field and award ceremony officials, spectators and athletes, dressed in the corresponding garments of the time. Finally, the athletes will be awarded with the traditional olive clove, in an award ceremony conducted according to the tradition and protocol of the ancient Olympic Games.

5. ENTERTAINMENT
Fun and entertainment are the secret ingredients of the Camp! Every afternoon, the swimming pool of the premises awaits the participants to enjoy swimming and diving and get refreshed in an easygoing atmosphere!
In the evening, each day ends with a joyful and relaxed program that includes dancing, karaoke, team building games and quizzes, open-air cinema, as well as free time to get acquainted with each other, socialize, bond and make new friends from all over the world! 

An excursion to a famous and beautiful local beach will be a fun surprise that combines the sea, the sun and the epitome of Greek summer feeling: the life on the beach!

 

SCOPE AND AIMS

The overall aim of the Imagine Peace Juniors Camp is to engage children and teenagers from various countries in interactive workshops and sport activities that promote the Olympic Truce Ideals (peace, dialogue and conflict resolution).

Through the use of non-formal educational techniques and the active participation of trainers, athletes and Olympians, acting as role models, who can communicate with children effectively, the Camp aims to familiarise schoolchildren with notions such as tolerance, equality and non-discrimination, while practicing sport and fun activities.

Ultimately, children acquire a more positive attitude towards the power of sport as a vital element in their everyday lives.

 

BENEFITS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS

Develop self-confidence and interpersonal and communication skills (dialogue, cooperation, friendship and understanding)

Learn about with notions such as equality, respect for diversity, peaceful coexistence, fair play and tolerance

Practice ancient sports together with athletes and Olympians

Enjoy fun activities and cultural visits

Elaborate leadership & dynamic attitude 

Interact in a multicultural environment

 

THE LOCATION

Ancient Olympia is among the most exquisite and important places in Greece and a Unesco world heritage site. The archaeological site of Olympia, located in the western of Peloponnese, is the site of the first ancient Olympic Games! The first Olympiad is thought to have taken place in 776 BC.

 

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY

The International Olympic Academy (IOA) established in 1948, is the main educational and cultural institution of the International Olympic Committee. The International Olympic Academy premises are situated next to the archaeological site in Ancient Olympia, the place where the Olympic Games and Olympism, as an idea and philosophy of life, were born and developed and an ideal place for the establishment of such an International Centre of Olympic Studies according to the vision of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games. A place of stunning natural beauty: at the heart of nature,palm and olive trees ideally blend with classic architectural elements.The participants in the program will have exclusive, privileged access to the area.

 

THE IOA FACILITIES IN ANCIENT OLYMPIA ARE SITUATED IN AN AREA OF 400.000 sq.m. AND INCLUDE:

A multi-level conference centre (1800m2)

Accommodation in 115 newly renovated rooms

Restaurant and cafeteria

Sports facilities: • A soccer field • A track and field • Two basketball courts • Two volleyball courts • Two tennis courts • A swimming pool

Safe and secure environment in the heart of nature

Recreational areas

 

HEALTH & SAFETY RULES

Experienced staff of dedicated and certified educators & coaches following a 40-years experience in youth sports tours & camps, Certified lifeguards, 24hr nurse, Doctor on call and 24hr security on premises.

Equipped First aid room & Infirmary, Pyrgos' General hospital at a close proximity,with easy access, Meticulous cleanliness of the sanitary & dining areas, Valid legal licenses and certifications, Integrated Fire Safety system approved by Fire Department with annual inspection, Portable fire extinguishing system, Fencing throughout, Night lighting of the area and security lighting of the buildings, Bus on standby to evacuate the area if needed, Backup electricity from generator, Liability insurance for all our campers and Daily waste collection from the Municipality.
 

 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

 

PARTICIPATION PACKAGE CONSISTS OF:

> 2 nights accomodation in Athens and 6 nights full-board accommodation in double and triple rooms, at the premises of the International Olympic Academy in Olympia

> Visit to Ancient Olympia

> Educational program on ideals and values of Olympism by qualified partners of IOTC

> Experiential and educational program on the ancient Greek sports (Pankration, Pentathlon, Simulation Of Ancient Olympic Games) 

> Workshops & recreational games

> Meeting and training with Olympic medalists

> Excursion to local beaches

> Welcome pack (diploma,memorabilia)

> Τransfers (incl. airport pick-up)

 

The working languages of the Camp are English and Greek.

 

Apply until 28/2/2023

Registration deadline 30/4/2023

 

 

 

 

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