The Olympic Anthem was writtenby the poet Kostis Palamas and
its music was composed by Spyros
Samaras. It was performed for
the first time by the philharmonic
group formed from the music societies
of Greece, on the 25th March 1896,
during the opening ceremony of the first modern
Olympic Games, at the Panathenian Stadium
(Kallimarmaron) in Athens. It aroused such
emotion and enthusiasm that it was repeated.
In 1958 it was established as the official anthem
of the International Olympic Movement.
Click here for the Olympic Anthem (mp3 format).
Immortal spirit of antiquity,
father of the true, beautiful and good,
Descend, appear shed over us thy light
Upon this ground and under this sky
Which has first witnessed the unperishable fame.
Give life and animation to those noble Games!
Throw wreaths of fadeless flowers to the victors
In the race and in the strife!
Create in our breasts, hearts of steel!
In thy light, plains, mountains and seas
Shine in a roseate hue and form a vast temple
To which all nations throng to adore thee,
Oh immortal spirit of antiquity!