The Panathenaic Stadium (Panathinaiko or Kallimarmaro) in central Athens, the all-marble and U-shaped venue that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and was the finish line for the marathon during the 2004 Games, is set for a major upgrade in its lighting system, with Greek shipping owner and benefactor Evangelos Marinakis announcing his intent to contribute to the major sports and cultural endeavor.

The upgrade aims to ensure that the Panathenaic will be able to host major international track and field events.

Hellenic Olympic Committee (EOE) President Isidoros Kouvelos recently met with Culture Minister Lina Mendoni to present a plan for the holding of international athletic events at the historic stadium.

Among others, a new track surface and lighting system will be required, in order to fulfill the World Athletics and European Athletics organizations’ specifications.

According to reports, Mendoni was positive over the plan, as the ministry’s final approval is necessary.

Just as importantly, funding for the upgrades is guaranteed, as Marinakis is the sponsor of the Panathenaic Stadium’s upgrades – meaning no state funding will be required and a great deal of “red tape” will be bypassed.

The sponsorship isn’t mere generosity, but a strong message that the world of sports includes the concept of vision, and as long as there are people who see beyond the borders of today, the future can only be brighter.