Greek skier one of many Olympians set to visit ORC by EY in Rio
27 | 5 | 2016
Olympians of all ages and from countries across the globe are set to enjoy the Olympians Reunion Centre by EY at this year’s Summer Olympic Games in Rio. The exclusive venue will play host to hundreds of Olympians throughout the course of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, welcoming friends and families from as far afield as Tunisia, Puerto Rico, Pakistan, China and Australia.
Since registration opened in March Olympians from a wide array of sports across all five continents have been eagerly signing up to be part of the action. To date a total of 13 summer and 11 winter editions of the Olympic Games will be represented by Olympians planning to visit the centre; from Tokyo 1964 right through to the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games and from the 1974 Winter Games in Innsbruck to the most recent edition in Sochi in 2014.
One winter Olympian who will be in Rio for the Olympic Games is Maria Danou, a Greek cross country skier who competed at Vancouver 2010. Maria, who will be there working as Digital Coordinator for the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE), said it feels amazing to be returning to the Olympic scene.
“The last time I felt the Olympic spirit was with my participation at the Winter Olympic Games Vancouver 2010. I am very excited because this time I will go to the summer Olympics with a different role. I can’t wait to meet summer Olympians and discuss and exchange ideas about the future of the Olympic Movement.”
Aside from working for the FIE, Maria is keen to visit the Olympians Reunion Centre by EY to catch up with old friends and hopefully meet some new ones.
“I am looking forward to meeting up with other Olympians to share our lifetime experiences and talk about our action in sport. Hopefully, it would be a unique opportunity to meet a few modern sporting idols such as sprinter Usain Bolt, swimming’s Michael Phelps or basketball’s Stephen Curry. These are the athletes who drew me to watch their sports and it would be very interesting to chat with them if I see them.”
Maria is no stranger to being a role model herself, she recently had the honour of acting as a Torch Bearer in Athens, carrying the Olympic Flame as it made its way from Ancient Olympia across Greece and eventually onto Brazil. She believes Olympians have a responsibility to utliise the skills they have developed as elite athletes for the good of their sports and their communities.
“I believe that Olympians can bring a great impact to the communities where they live. They are active and accomplished individuals that have learned how to perform in a multicultural environment. They have learned how to work under pressure, how to work hard to reach their goals, how to control their emotions and how to cooperate with others in order to accomplish a mission.
“All these skills and values that Olympians have acquired throughout their sporting life can be transferred to their societies. They are perfect role models to promote leadership, respect and active and healthy life styles.”
The World Olympians Association (WOA) has joined forces with EY to host the 2016 edition of the Olympians Reunion Centre, a destination hub for Olympians of all ages to gather in the heart of the Olympic action in Rio. The multi-purpose space situated at the iconic Club de Regatas do Flamengo on the shores of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas will offer Olympians a unique Rio experience, while a packed programme of Olympic Family events will ensure a vibrant atmosphere throughout the Games.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting venue, pre-register now and enjoy the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in comfort and style. By registering in advance you and one guest can gain priority access and avoid queues on the door.
To sign up simply visit the WOA website and fill in the online form at http://olympians.org/rio-2016/
