The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) announced a collaboration with acclaimed actress and screenwriter Nia Vardalos, aiming to bolster support for the Greek Olympic team as it prepares for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Nia Vardalos, currently in Greece for her performances in the play Tiny Beautiful Things at the Pallas Theater, visited HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos at his office. Their discussions focused on the pivotal role the star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding can play in rallying support for the athletes who will proudly represent Greece in four years’ time.
The Oscar nominee enthusiastically offered to assemble a dedicated team, alongside her associates, to assist the Hellenic Olympic Committee in various capacities in the lead-up to the next Olympic Games. This commitment underscores her dedication to her Hellenic roots and the nation’s athletic endeavors.
President Kouvelos expressed his gratitude:
“It was a great pleasure to welcome the esteemed actress Nia Vardalos to the Hellenic Olympic Committee. She is an incredible ambassador for our country abroad.
Nia immediately embraced my proposal and agreed to cooperate, offering her support to the Greek Olympic team through the Greek Diaspora and any other means she deems appropriate. I want to publicly thank her for joining this collective effort to ensure the best possible representation of our country at the 2028 Olympic Games.”
This collaboration marks an exciting step for the Hellenic Olympic Committee, leveraging Vardalos’ international recognition and deep connection to the Greek community to inspire and empower Greece’s Olympic hopefuls.
The famous actress drew on her Greek identity as motivation for spreading her love for her ancestral land. She proudly drew inspiration from her heritage and family life to produce the film that ultimately brought her international recognition.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 2003.
Beyond the success of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and its sequels, Vardalos has written, directed, and starred in other films such as Connie and Carla and I Hate Valentine’s Day.
Nia Vardalos will join Maria Menounos in the Hellenic Olympic Committee campaign
Earlier in May, HOC announced that Maria Menounos, the renowned actress and television presenter, will represent Greece as Ambassador for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Maria Menounos is a radiant personality who honors Greece in the United States, and the new role she is taking on will undoubtedly help promote and highlight Greek participation in the upcoming Olympic Games. She will also engage the Greek-American community in support of Team Hellas as it prepares for its journey to Los Angeles in 2028.
Born in the Boston suburb of Medford, Massachusetts to Greek immigrant parents Costas and Litsa Menounos, Maria became a Greek citizen in 2023.