IOC President Thomas Bach has signed the Olympic Truce for Beijing 2022 in Ancient Olympia ©IOC

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou have signed a declaration of the Olympic Truce or "Ekecheiria".

They were joined by the Mayors of Olympia, Ilida and Sparta at a signing Ceremony in the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity.

"We ask that weapons be laid down and all hostilities be ceased around the world, so that we can give peace and reconciliation of people a chance to prevail," said the declaration.

"On the occasion of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games and the lighting of the Olympic Flame and bearing in mind what was passed onto us from ancient Greek letters, we the undersigned Mayors, inspired by our revered forbears, today symbolically renew and declare to all the world the sacred agreement of antiquity, the Olympic Truce."

Bach was joined at the ceremony by IOC Executive Board members and other leading sporting officials.

"It is a strong signal when Olympia, Ilida and Sparta, the original parties to the Ekecheiria, are renewing their pledge," Bach told them.

"I want to congratulate and thank you for keeping the ancient heritage alive and for setting this example."

IOC President Thomas Bach was joined by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou at the signing of the Olympic Truce for Beijing 2022 in Ancient Olympia ©IOC
IOC President Thomas Bach was joined by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou at the signing of the Olympic Truce for Beijing 2022 in Ancient Olympia ©IOC

The Truce is said to have been instigated at the Olympic Games of antiquity to enable citizens of warring states to come together and compete in peace.

"The ceasefire between Greek cities known since the eighth century BC as Olympic truce does not only constitute an affirmation of the virtues of the ancient Greek world and civilisation, it leaves a legacy for future generations" Sakellaropoulou said.

"By re-establishing this noble idea before the Flame lighting ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Games, we make once again the promise to be faithful to the values of peace, friendship and solidarity amongst peoples.

"We all hope and wish that the content of this declaration, with the help of the United Nations, could someday be put into practice on a global scale."

In the wake of the Balkan conflict in the early nineties, the Truce was formally requested by the then IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch.

It is customary for the IOC President to visit the United Nations to request the formal resolution before each Olympic Games. 

It is normally in force for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.