the ancient Olympic discus

Awarding a discus and poem

to each truce-bearer we honor  

We present each awardee with a specially-commissioned poem by our poet-laureate, Colin Goedecke, together with a discus that touchstones the uninterrupted tradition of the Olympic Truce.

The ancient Truce itself, inscribed on a bronze discus at Olympia, was revered, and enshrined in the Temple of Hera for all to see and read.

It symbolized the upward flight of earthly ambitions.

All athletes passed by this symbol as they entered the field of play just yards away, where they vied for the glory of Zeus, where they competed to be first to cross the finish line and into his godly favor.

In praise of Zeus, all pilgrims to those ancient Games were also freely and safely able to cross into and bear witness in the given lands during the contests.

It was The Olympic Truce that enabled these peaceable gatherings and ensured fair play. Then and, still, today.

The discus speaks to these expressed and inherent ideals. And in our eyes and work, to evolving a better, more peaceful world through sport and this transcendent Olympic spirit.