The mission of the Hellenic Olympic Committee is to oversee and act to ensure the development, promotion and safeguarding of the Olympic Movement, the spirit of fair play and out-of-school physical activity, in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Ideal and the traditions of the Hellenic sport. The HOC’s role is: To supervise the Olympic Sports and cooperate with the State as well as with the public and private bodies for the promotion of healthy sport policies. To encourage love for sports and respect for the spirit of sportsmanship among the young. To organise in cooperation with the National Federations the Olympic preparation of athletes. To proceed, on its sole responsibility, to the final selection of athletes who will represent Greece at the Olympic and Mediterranean Games. The HOC is also solely responsible for the Lighting and Hand over ceremonies for the Summer and Winter Olympic Games as well as for the correct interpretation and implementation of the articles of the Olympic charter. In addition, the HOC can make suggestions to the IOC regarding the Olympic movement and the organising of Olympic Games in general.
