A Project of the Passing The Torch Initiative (PTI)
  • HOME
  • JOIN OPC HERE
  • FAQS/COMPONENTS
  • ABOUT US
  • TOOLKIT/MATERIALS
  • More
    • HOME
    • JOIN OPC HERE
    • FAQS/COMPONENTS
    • ABOUT US
    • TOOLKIT/MATERIALS
  • HOME
  • JOIN OPC HERE
  • FAQS/COMPONENTS
  • ABOUT US
  • TOOLKIT/MATERIALS
Passing the Torch Initiative

About Us/Background

OLY PLY CITIES/OPC is an athlete-led project coordinated by the U.S.-based and globally-oriented Passing The Torch Initiative non-profit (a project of Empowerment Works, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; EIN: 31-179-6801).


Passing the Torch initiative (PTI) and its affiliate campaigns were founded by:


  • Charles Altekruse, CO-FOUNDER & PROJECT MANAGER, OLY USA Rowing 1980 & 88, public affairs and team builder consultant, and former Vice President, United States Olympians & Paralympians Association (USOPA) --- caltekruse@caconsult.org - email; Mobile/WhatsApp:  +1 510-913-3669; Skype: caltekruse


  • Andras 'Andy' Toro, CO-FOUNDER, OLY Hungary Canoe 1960 & 64 and USA Canoe 1972 & 76, author, and lifelong Olympic movement activist ---teamandytoro@gmail.com  - email; Mobile/WhatsApp:  +1 510-685-7330


OPC is independent and decentralized as well as complementary and reinforcing of other Olympic & Paralympic events (such as the June 23 Olympic Day) and entities (such as the IOC, IPC, NOCs, OCOGs, WOA, WUOC, etc.). We welcome the participation and support from these and other local and global OLY/PLY stakeholders.

To learn more, start a Host City Team, or schedule a Zoom Info Call - click here

Origin Story

PEACE has been a part of the Games as long as they have been played. 


  • In 2023, athletes created Olympic & Paralympic Cities – Day of Peace & Solidarity 2023 to mobilize Host Cities as platforms for PEACE -- with participation from OLY/PLY stakeholders in 35 Host Cities. 


  • On Friday 19 July 2024, the global OLY/PLY PEACE DAY 2024 initiative was ‘soft-launched’ to coincide with the start date of the PARIS 2024  UN/IOC-sponsored ‘Olympic Truce’ period. The 2024 goal was to validate 'proof-of-concept' by gathering signatures and support.  We continue to collect support and signatures on our PEACE MURAL 202X platform. 


  • Since 2025 we have been refining our program and building relationships towards a full launch of OPC at the LA28 Games.



OPC-DPS PEACE DAY 2023 - CHampions

WHAT IS THE Olympic Truce Period?

 Source: United Nations


Since 1993, the UN General Assembly has expressed its support for the IOC and the Olympic Games by adopting by consensus, every two years, one year before each edition of the Olympic Games, a resolution entitled "Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal".


“The Olympic spirit is the most important symbol of peace in this world which sees so many conflicts, so many victims. The Olympic spirit allows people to be together from all over the world, to respect each other, to serve the themes of tolerance and mutual understanding. These make the basic elements of peace possible.” - Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General


  • The Olympic Truce resolution for Paris 2024 passed with 118 country votes in favor, no votes against, and two abstentions. Learn more at olympics.com/ioc/olympic-truce


  • There are currently some 42 wars and armed conflicts around the world. Our Games cannot prevent war -- but perhaps can promote peace in a meaningful way. 

JOIN OLY PLY CITIES/OPC HERE

OPC Global Project Manager. Questions or Suggestions?: Please contact Charles Altekruse OLY (USA Rowing ’80 & ’88 and former Unites States Olympians & Paralympians Association, USOPA, Vice President) - caltekruse@caconsult.org; Mobile/WhatsApp:  +1 510-913-3669; Skype: caltekruse  


Global OPC Zoom Info Call.  Interested individuals and organizations are invited to join a ZOOM Call with Charles.  Interested stakeholders can contact Charles to set up a personalized Zoom Call. 


Global OPC Advisory Board. Please contact Charles Altekruse if you are interested in joining our board.


Copyright © 2026 Passing the Torch Initiative - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • HOME
  • JOIN OPC HERE
  • FAQS/COMPONENTS
  • TOOLKIT/MATERIALS

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept