Only American Monument in Athens Olympic Stadium Turns 20 – Celebration Nov 15

HELLENIC SPIRIT FOUNDATION
Honors a St. Louis Tribute that Became Part of Olympic History in Greece

Saturday, November 15, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at UMSL Millennium Student Center

Contact: Bess Fitzmaurice, Event Chair | 314-602-5406 | [email protected]
Hellenic Spirit Foundation | kyclosevent.eventbrite.com

ST. LOUIS, MO – In 2004, the KYKLOS – Circle of Glory monument made history as the only American-created landmark permanently installed at the Spiros Louis Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece. This November, the Hellenic Spirit Foundation invites the public to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this achievement—born right here in St. Louis.

The vision for KYKLOS began over 25 years ago with a group of Greek Americans determined to unite Hellenes worldwide in the return of the Games to Greece in 2004. The KYKLOS Tribute honors the timeless circle of the Olympic Movement — its origins in the sacred grounds of Olympia in 776 BC, its rebirth with the inaugural Modern Games in Athens in 1896, and its triumphant return to Athens in 2004. Led by the Hellenic Cultural Foundation—now the Hellenic Spirit Foundation—and supported by national Hellenic organizations, the project culminated in the work of Greek-American artist Rip Kastaris: a panoramic mural and circular bronze sculptures displaying olive leaves engraved with the names of contributors on all five continents.

The celebration will include the premiere of a feature length documentary film chronicling the project’s six-year odyssey from St. Louis to Athens, culminating in the unveiling of a tribute portrait honoring the late Nick Karakas. An awards ceremony will recognize key contributors from the local to the international stage. Guests will also enjoy an exhibition of official Olympic art by Kastaris, representing the United States and, or Greece in four consecutive Olympiads; Greek music and dance performances, and refreshments. A private VIP reception for donors and special guests at the Matsakis Center will precede the evening’s program.

Event: KYKLOS–Circle of Glory: 20 Years of an Athenian Olympic Landmark Born in St. Louis
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Time: 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Location: UMSL Millennium Student Center
Admission: Free and open to the public with ADVANCE RESERVATION

Reserve here:  https://hellenicspiritfoundationstl.org (No tickets will be available at the door.)

This event is jointly presented by the Hellenic Spirit Foundation and the Hellenic Government–Karakas Family Foundation Professorship in Greek Studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, as part of the Nicholas and Theodora Matsakis Speaker Series.

Please visit https://hellenicspiritfoundationstl.org to make your advance reservation, learn more, donate or join Hellenic Spirit Foundation. Below is a trailer for a taste of what’s in store.