The dove - the universal symbol of peace, friendship, cooperation and solidarity - is constructed of 180,000 paper boats and 150 kilograms of glue and was prepared by some 45,000 Greek children.

It was revealed on a blue background made out of 280,000 paper boats at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens as part of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which was also organised by the Hellenic Olympic Academy (HOA) and the Ministry of Education.

"The children of our country are sending a loud message of Olympic values; values that were born in our country," HOA President Isidoros Kouvelos, who placed the last paper boat, said.

"By making this giant peace dove, we disseminate these values to the world.

"Friendship, solidarity and fair-play are the messages of Olympic values.

"Thank you all for your valuable support to the HOA."

Lambis Nikolaou (left), pictured here with IOC President Thomas Bach, attended the unveiling ceremony of the giant dove sculpture in Athens ©Getty Images


Greek International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Lambis Nikolaou also attended the event, along with Giorgos Kaminis, the Mayor of Athens, and a number of Olympians including weightlifting champion Pyrros Dimas, two-time rowing medallist Vasileios Polymeros and high jump silver medallist Niki Bakoyianni.

Spyros Capralos, President of the HOC, spoke of the significance of the location of the event.

"My dear children, this day is a special day, for you are at the Panathenaic Stadium where the Modern Olympic Games were revived," he said.

"You are witnessing the creation of a peace dove and a significant record.

"Please keep these two things in a special place in your heart and always remember that sport unites the people."

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