Renowned Greek-American presenter and actress Maria Menounos has been appointed Ambassador of the Hellenic Olympic Committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, in a move aimed at uniting the Greek diaspora and promoting Team Hellas on the global stage.

The appointment was finalised during a meeting between Menounos and the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC), Isidoros Kouvelos, at the Committee’s headquarters in Athens. The HOC praised Menounos’ enduring commitment to Greece and her influence in the United States, stating that her role will significantly support the visibility and presence of the Greek Olympic team in the lead-up to the LA Games.

“Maria is a radiant personality who honours Greece abroad. Her role as Ambassador will undoubtedly help mobilise the Greek diaspora and strengthen support for our athletes as we head to Los Angeles,” said Kouvelos.

HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos presents Maria Menounos with a statue of the Goddess Nike, symbolising her new role as Ambassador and the Committee’s hopes for Greek Olympic success in LA 2028. Photo: Supplied

In addition to her ambassadorial duties, Menounos will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Flame Lighting and Handover Ceremonies in Ancient Olympia and the Panathenaic Stadium—two of the most iconic events in the Olympic tradition.

“She will support many of the Committee’s initiatives and take part in important ceremonial moments. We want the Greek community in America to rally behind our athletes, and Maria is the ideal person to inspire that support,” Kouvelos added.

Emotionally moved, Maria Menounos expressed her gratitude:

“Thank you so much for this incredible honour. I’m proud to be Greek and to have the chance to contribute to this effort. I want to help our athletes as much as I can and bring together all Greeks in America to support our team. Wherever we are, we must stand united. When the Flame is lit in Ancient Olympia, I know I’ll be overwhelmed with emotion.”

Maria Menounos and Isidoros Kouvelos share a moment of celebration following the announcement of her ambassadorial role, marking a powerful step in mobilising the Greek diaspora for Team Hellas. Photo: Supplied

To mark the occasion, Kouvelos presented Menounos with a symbolic statue of the Goddess Nike (Victory), engraved with the title: “Ambassador of the Hellenic Olympic Committee for LA 2028.”

“This gift symbolises our hopes that the Greek Olympic team will soar high, and that with your inspiration, Maria, you will accompany them on their journey,” Kouvelos concluded.