INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 7th JOINT - IOA

particularities of states and peoples but consciously believed in the
development of relations of friendship, cooperation and tolerance
among all the countries of Europe. His ability to make friends all over
Europe was not only due to the communication appeal of his speech,
but also to the persuasion, which his sincere attitude towards the
citizens of Europe generated. A lover of antiquity, he conveyed to
foreigners his own, personal message and they responded with polite
acceptance. While he was alive and of course after his death, in 1908,
distinguished European men of culture praised Vikelas for his love for
his homeland, as well as for the breadth of his European thinking.
When his life was over, the predominant feeling was that Europe
had lost a great son and Greece had lost a great creator in many fields
of cultural and social activity.
Without wishing to underestimate the personal significance of the
Presidents of the International Olympic Committee that followed, we
have to admit that they gained reputation after they took over the
office of President, with the exception of Coubertin, whereas Vikelas
when he took over the Presidency was already a well-known Greek in
Europe. Vikelas is a model of disinterestedness, vision, practicality
and he was worthy of the respect and esteem of all those who had
either known him personally, or had watched his contribution to
European culture, in the form of lofty ideas and a steady promotion of
the interest for his country and the diversity of European culture.
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