EOC President Spyros Capralos receives highest Japanese honour available to foreigners

·

The European Olympic Committees President, Spyros Capralos, was awarded the “Order of the Rising Sun” at Japan’s Embassy in Athens earlier this month in recognition of his excellent work in organising the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and in strengthening Greek and Japanese relations.

The “Order of the Rising Sun” is a Japanese decoration of honour that is awarded by the Japanese government to individuals around the world who have made distinguished contributions to the advancement of Japan.

Capralos was awarded the order by the Ambassador of Japan to Greece, Yasunori Nakayama.

President Capralos, who is also an International Olympic Committee member and President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, said: “This is a great honour for me. It is something special, as special were the Olympic Games organised in Tokyo.”

“To gather so many people under these difficult conditions is something that only people like the Japanese with discipline, determination and passion for sports can achieve.”

Spyros Capralos was awarded the order by the Ambassador of Japan to Greece, Yasunori Nakayama. Photo: EOC

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan to Greece, Yasunori Nakayama said: “The government of my country decided to award President Capralos as a sign of recognition for his great contribution to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

“With his continuous efforts and decisions, the Lighting Ceremony and the Handover Ceremony of the Olympic Flame were successfully organised with safety measures due to the pandemic, while his support for the organisation of the Olympic Games was unstoppable.

“The difficulties we managed to overcome strengthened more the bonds between Greece and Japan and I want to express my gratitude and respect for the efforts he made not only to make the Games happen but also because they were particularly successful,” Nakayama concluded.

SOURCE: European Olympic Committees

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Australian singer Vassy withdraws from Russian Intervision contest

Greek Australian singer and producer Vasiliki Karagiorgos, known professionally as Vassy, has withdrawn at the last minute.

Australia formally recognises Palestinian state amid global shift

Australia has formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, marking a landmark change in foreign policy.

Kostas Sloukas praises Greek Australian fans as Panathinaikos arrive in Sydney

Panathinaikos BC touched down in Sydney this week for the second leg of the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

From family legacy to the Federal Court: A look into Justice Anastasis Liveris’ legal career

In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, the Greek Australian judge reflected on how he felt to achieve this major career milestone.

The Greek influence on Australian television

Among the many communities that helped shape TV culture were Greeks, whose presence both on and off screen left a lasting mark.

You May Also Like

Greek American politicians pay tribute to legacy of Paul Sarbanes

Eleni Kounalakis and Endy Zemenides are among many Greek American community leaders who have paid tribute to the "role-model" politician.

Melbourne businessman engaged in stoush with chemist Bruce Kambouris

Ambrosios “Bruce” Kambouris, the inventor of Aqua Botanical technology, has been awarded compensation following a legal battle.

Alleged drug dealer Zenon Joannou granted bail after claiming trial delay until 2028

A man accused of drug manufacturing and firearms offences has been granted bail after the Supreme Court heard his trial may begin in 2028.