The American Community School of Athens, will proudly honor alumna Stephanie E. Joannides, Senior Superior Court Judge, Anchorage Alaska, class of ‘71, with this year's “Lifetime Achievement Award,” acknowledging her professional achievements, exemplary leadership with ethos, and service to humanity. 

This special event will take place on April 6 2019, at the Capital Hilton, Washington D.C., at 6:30 pm.

Professor Nicholas Burns, former US Ambassador to Greece and ACS Athens parent, will be the guestspeaker at the Award Ceremony.

Stephanie Joannides served as a judge on the State District Court, the State Superior Court and as a pro tem judge on the Alaska Court of Criminal Appeals from 1994 to 2011. Since then, she has been on senior status, presiding over civil and criminal cases, being involved in a variety of court projects and committees and sitting pro tem on the Criminal Court of Appeals.

With its 2nd Alumni Achievement Awards Event, ACS Athens takes the opportunity to invite members of its community across the globe and prominent professionals from all areas to this landmark event for a meaningful celebration, bringing together people who are changing the world!

For additional information and registration, visit acsathensglobal or contact Ms. Valerie Alexopoulos at alexopoulosv@acs.gr.

Entrance is $250 per person. All proceeds will go to alumni scholarships.

The criteria for the Blue Flag accreditation are the quality and cleanliness of the beach and coast, the overall organization of the beach, the safety of visitors, the protection of nature and environmental awareness.

The historic race of The Authentic Marathon Swim revived at Artemision 2,500 years later. Amateur and professional swimmers from Japan, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Bulgaria, and Greece enjoyed the remarkable sporting event with utmost safety, uniting the legend with history, on September 4-6, 2020, at Pefki, Evia of the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos.

The authentic route

For the first time, after 2,500 years, the historic authentic 10km route revived with the participation of world-class names that swam over the shipwrecks of the historic naval battle of Artemision in 480 B.C. following the example of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to The Father of History, Herodotus, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet. The demanding route took place at the straits of Artemision, connecting Central Greece with Thessaly and the regional units of Evia, Magnesia, and Fthiotida, with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture & Sports, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Mrs. Angela Gerekou, Governor of Central Greece Region, Mr. Fanis Spanos and Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Ioannis Kontzias. A common reference from all those honoring the event with their presence was made for the absolutely successful compliance of the measures and the historic revival of the authentic swimming marathon route.

In the context of the races held, the Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Kontzias, stated: “It was a special honour for our Municipality to revive this historic sporting event. With the principle of Plutarch’s ascertainment about the Naval Battle of Artemision “ἀρχὴ γὰρ ὄντως τοῦ νικᾶν τὸ θαρρεῖν” meaning “Courage is the beginning of victory” we faced the special conditions of our times with responsibility and emerged as winners. I would like to warmly thank the entire Greek state, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports, the Hellenic Swimming Federation, the Region of Central Greece, the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece and all sponsors who supported us in this effort from the first moment, recognizing the historical background of The Authentic Marathon Swim. Our goal is for the event to become an institution and to be repeated every year”.

The support of the local government

The entire local government of Central Greece joined the Municipality of Istiaia- Edipsos, supporting the revival of The Authentic Marathon Swim. The event was held 2 with the support and cooperation of the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.ST.E.), and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece.

World-class athletes were present

The Authentic Marathon Swim was honored by the presence of the silver Olympic medalist, world champion in the open water swimming, and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Spyros Gianniotis. Among participating swimmers, the event had the Bulgarian Olympic champion Petar Stoychev with 4 Olympics participations, 11 consecutive titles in major international open water marathon swimming FINA series, and the impressive achievement of being in the Ice Swimming Hall of Fame, the Japanese Olympic champion in Rio, Yasu Fukuoka and top names from Greece. Specifically, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli the bronze medalist in the 2011 world open water swimming championship, with 4 participations in the Olympics, Marianna Lymperta, the three-time Greek champion and two- time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou, the English Channel marathon swimmer Giannis Kotsiopoulos, along with the elite athletes of the Greek national open water swimming team with Dimitris Negris, Andreas Georgakopoulos, Stellina Aplanti, Ilektra Lebl, Olga Ntalla and the swimming champion George Skotadis who competes with the colors of the Dutch national team.

In the context of the races, Spyros Gianniotis, Nikos Gemelos, Petar Stoychev, Yasu Fukuoka, Vicky Kouveli, Marianna Lymperta, and Sofia Psilolignou were honored for their presence, while the Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Ioannis Kontzias was honored for his idea and work.

The activities

On Saturday, September 5, the action began with the 3km open water swimming race, while the 1.5km race followed at Pefki beach.

Respectively, on Sunday, September 6, the event culminated with the revival of the authentic 10km marathon swimming route at the straits of Artemision. The event also included an 800m children’s race offering joy and smiles to dozens of kids. The warm-up of all athletes was held by the physical education instructor, Mandy Persaki.

The Authentic Marathon Swim, honoring the history of the region, held a symbolic event at the ancient settlement of Artemision where Mavroelia from Artemision or Olive Mavromandila can be found. It is a monument of nature and local history, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, dating back over 2,500 years. Winners of the routes were symbolically awarded a branch of Mavroelia.

The races’ results

In the authentic 10km marathon swimming route, the Bulgarian Olympic champion Petar Stoychev finished first in the men’s category, while the world champion of open water masters, Vicky Kouveli took the first place in women. In the 3km route, the champion Dimitris Negris won the first place amongst the men while the champion Ilektra Lebl was first in women. Respectively, in the 1.5km route, the champion Andreas Georgakopoulos finished first in the men’s category and Despina Dogia was first in the women’s category. You may check all the detailed results for the 10km route, the 3km route, and the 1.5km route. 

Opening the gates for safe sports tourism events

The event was held in accordance with FINA regulations and the health protocol based on the instructions of the expert scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming 3 Federation and recommendations of the Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee, established by Active Media Group, ensuring the health of athletes and attendees.

The mandatory use of a mask by the staff and encouragement of its use by everyone with its free provision, the temperature measurements by the team of Target Security, although several athletes entered the venue with a mask showing a high sense of individual responsibility, the use of gloves where needed, the disinfection of all areas, equipment, and office materials, the demarcation of a 2,000 square meters space through the use of railings, swimmers starting in different waves to avoid interactions while maintaining long distances between them, the isolation of foreign athletes in different hotels and their entry in Greece with PCR tests were just a few elements on the first page of the safety measures implemented.

In the context of The Authentic Marathon Swim, Active Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akis Tsolis stated: "With our experienced and certified staff from the World Health Organization, we put in action with absolute success, an even stricter health protocol than the one approved by the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the General Secretariat of Sports, taking all necessary measures for the safety of our participants. We created a recording system of outgoing and incoming people in order to always be aware, of the number of people that were present at the area of ​​the sports facility we built. Moreover, for the first time in the world, in these health conditions we experience, individual awarding was held for the 10km athletes. A huge effort was made by the organizing committee, the Municipality, the volunteers but above all by the participants who mostly came to the venue wearing masks. We did not write history, because history was written 2,500 years ago in the naval battle of Artemision, in the Battle of Thermopylae, and in the route swam by Hydna and Skyllias. We are adding to the glorious book of our place’s history; we are filling in the blank pages that are left from the authentic marathon swimming route 2,500 years ago, and we are opening a new chapter in the history of swimming and sports tourism”.

Safety throughout the races

All routes of The Authentic Marathon Swim were designed by the Greek national swimming coach with distinctions in Olympic Games & world open water swimming championships, Mr. Nikos Gemelos. The event prioritizing the absolute safety of its athletes provided everyone with a safety lifeguard buoy since its use by professional and amateur athletes was mandatory. On the 10km route, each swimmer had an escorting boat next to him for safety reasons. Numerous lifeguards with boats and staff from Lifeguard Patrol and European Lifeguard School contributed to the safety of the races with the support of the Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department and dozens of volunteers from the region who helped in the event’s smooth delivery. The judges of the race were appointed by the Hellenic Swimming Federation, which had given its approval for the organization of the event, while the Port Authority of Orei and the race’s doctor also supervised all athletes.

Hospitality Sponsors’ dynamic support

The Authentic Marathon Swim collaborated with 40 hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. The event was enormously supported with special offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Hydna Studios, Island, Maria Louiza Apartments, Hotel 40 Platania, Altamar Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Artemision Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Ilios Studios, Villa Anastasia, Κochili Apartments, Mirtia Hotel, Irene Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Aktaion Hotel, Aenaon Studios, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis Pefki, Athina Studios, Apolonio, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa 4 Hotel, Avli Hotel, Ermis Spa Hotel, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Gioula Studios, Kallithea Hotel, Katerina Apartments, Kerasiotis Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Maria Studios, Melikari Studios, Mitho Hotel, Niki Studios, Jenny Studios, Papadioti Αpartments, Rodon Hotel, Sunset Pefki.

The Authentic Marathon Swim was held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization, it was listed in the “Thermopylae-Salamis 2020” Anniversary framework while joining the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission being held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. The event was co-organized by the Municipality of Istiaia- Edipsos Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.ST.E.), and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece, while Active Media Group was responsible for its sports production.

The Authentic Marathon Swim joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS).

NP Insurance and Philosofish were the Official Sponsors.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water was the event’s Official Water.
Luanvi was the Official Clothing Partner.
Mosconi was the Official Sports Supplier.
Avance was the event’s Official Car Rental Partner.
Messinian Spa was the Official Beauty Partner and Target Security the Security Partner.
The event’s Partners included Piraeus Bank, Syconia, Almanda, and Fysiotek Sports Lab.
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness, APS TRIAS, Kallithea Open Water Team were The Authentic Marathon Swim’s Athletic Partners.
Swimbikerun.gr was the Media Partner.
The event was assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, European Lifeguard School, Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department, Meliriton, and To Kochili.

Photo Credit: Dimitris Andritsos Photography 

The event’s official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim created its own wave on social media bringing unique images and videos from participants’ exciting moments in the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos.

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An iconic landmark of Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is one of the most important stadiums in the world, brimming with historic value. 

It is the last venue in Greece from where the Olympic flame handover ceremony to the host nation takes place. It is a timeless, global symbol of athleticism and Olympism, part and parcel of Athens' history and culture. 

Just a few months before the official launch of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Athens' vision for a world full of light, peace, and democracy shines bright across the globe. 

The Hellenic Olympic Committee launched the new lighting system of the Panathenaic Stadium in order to showcase its uniquely rich history which is inextricably linked to the city of Athens and the modern Olympic Games. A project that gives a breath of fresh air to Athens' urban landscape and adds a sense of splendor to this emblematic landmark.

The new system was inaugurated in a small symbolic ceremony attended by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Athens' Mayor Kostas Bakogiannis, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and some other members of the Greek Government.

During the ceremony, Mr. Costas Bakogiannis awarded Mr. Thomas Bach the Medal of the City of Athens, an award made in recognition of Thomas Bach's continued contribution to the promotion of sports and the fundamental values, principles, and ideals of the Olympic spirit.

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XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.

It’s that time of the year: plan-making season. The time for resolutions and fantasizing about things to come. For travel sites, like last year, looking ahead at where we might be packing our bags to is shadowed by the uncertainty of where the pandemic is headed. But while staycations and virtual tours have been trending on Google for the last two years, the latest tendency seems to be… optimism. Like every other year pre-covid-19, the time has come for the annual lists of “best places to travel” in 2022.'

Unsurprisingly, Greece, renowned as one of the few countries that managed to keep tourism alive during the pandemic, has a place on most lists.

So it does on Condé Nast Traveller’s list, which they introduced as being perhaps their most important one ever. Among the 22 destinations, a carefully curated selection of places around the world that they consider to be “coming into their own in 2022,” we find the island of Samos.

According to the article, the North Aegean island, which is listed as one of the best places in the world to travel with family, is “quietly making itself known as the finest Greek island many people have never heard of,” boasting the perfect combination of a lively main town (Vathy) and quiet villages. And why is it a great choice in 2022? Sustainability, a new priority amongst many travelers, is one reason. Samos is to be considered a sustainable choice, they emphasize, as it is unhurt by over-tourism, and food served is made with seasonal, local produce. The new Casa Cook hotel, set to open in May, is another reason. But more than anything, people should visit Samos for its authenticity:

“Samos’s beaches are its real siren song, though – from the small but heavenly slice of shingle at the hamlet of Posidonio, to the spectacularly dramatic bluffs and waterfalls at Potami, which are enrobed with a liquid amber glow at sunset. Further inland you’ll find the twin peaks of Ampelos and Kerkis towering above ambrosial pine forest and on their slopes blissfully unshowy mountain towns – such as Chora, Pagondas, and Mitilini – which have remained deliciously unchanged over the years,” part of the motivation reads.

Other places highlighted by foreign media for this year have been, among others, Crete, by Travel+Leisure, and a Glyfada resort, by CNN.

Embarking on a linguistic journey is like stepping into a time machine that transports us right to the heart of a culture. The Greek language, with its roots entwined in ancient history and mythology, beckons us to explore its beauty. From the elegance of ancient Greek to its everyday modern expressions, there's a unique charm about Greek that makes it a language worth embracing.

The echo of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, the poetry of Homer—these are the whispers of ancient Greek. Greek didn't merely carry ideas; it bore concepts that became the pillars of Western thought. Take, for instance, the word "arete," encapsulating the concepts of moral virtue and excellence. It's not just a word; it's a philosophical cornerstone.The language's ability to convey profound ideas with precision and depth shaped the intellectual landscape of classical civilization. In ancient Greece, words were not just spoken; they were sculpted.

Mythology and Language: The Interwoven Narratives

Greek mythology and language are inseparable, each enriching the other. Dive into the tales of gods and heroes, and you'll find linguistic treasures. The very names of the gods, the etymology of mythical creatures—the Greek language doesn't merely narrate these stories; it embraces them. Consider the name "Pandora," for example, meaning 'all-gifted' in Greek, a fitting name for the first woman in Greek mythology. Understanding Greek enhances the richness of these timeless narratives, bringing the myths to life in a way that transcends translation.

Everyday Greek: Navigating Modern Conversations

Fast forward to contemporary Greece, and the language takes on a dynamic form. It's not just about grammar and vocabulary; it's about the cadence of everyday life. In a bustling market, you might overhear the term "kala krasia," a phrase used when a situation doesn't make sense or seems chaotic. Literally translated, it means "good wines," but its usage reflects the complexity of navigating the unpredictable. Here, the language is not just spoken; it's lived. Dive into a local café, and you'll encounter the heartbeat of the language—the colloquialisms, the idiosyncrasies, and the expressions that capture the essence of modern Greek society.

The Greek Alphabet: More than Just Letters

The Greek alphabet is a work of art in itself, a script that transcends its practical purpose. Each letter has a story, a significance that goes beyond phonetics. From Alpha to Omega, this alphabet has become a symbol of cultural identity, adorning flags, shop signs, and the hearts of those who cherish their heritage. For example, the letter "Phi" not only represents the voiceless bilabial fricative but is also a symbol in mathematics and physics, just like "pi"!

Greek Language and Global Influence

The Greek language, like a wanderer, has traveled far and wide, leaving its mark on the global linguistic landscape. In scientific realms, medical terminology, and academic discourse, Greek words have become the foundation. Words like "geology" (geo meaning earth and logos meaning study), "biography" (bios meaning life), and "telecommunication" (tele meaning distant) showcase the enduring influence of Greek on global vocabulary. The influence of Greek is not just a historical relic; it's an ongoing conversation shaping our understanding of the world.

Learning Greek: A Journey Worth Taking

The call to learn Greek is an invitation to join a conversation that spans centuries. Resources abound, from language programs to cultural exchange initiatives. Beyond the practical benefits of communication, learning Greek opens the door to a cultural treasure trove. It's not just about words; it's about connecting with the soul of a civilization. 

The Maria Callas Museum of Athens has an exciting lineup of events this September, honoring the legacy of the legendary opera singer and offering a variety of cultural and educational activities for visitors of all ages.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store:

On Sunday, September 15, the Maria Callas Museum commemorates the anniversary of the soprano’s passing (September 16) by offering reduced admission to its exhibition spaces.

At 6:00 PM, across from the museum at Mitropoleos Square, a free concert will be held in her memory. The ARUNDOS wind trio from the Athens Municipal Symphony Orchestra will perform a soothing and sweet tribute featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Ibert. This peaceful concert is the perfect way to reflect on the life and legacy of Maria Callas.

The Maria Callas Museum joins the celebration of European Heritage Days 2024, offering free admission to all visitors on Sunday, September 29, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. To visit, you will need to reserve a free entry ticket in advance.

In collaboration with the Industrial Gas Museum, the Maria Callas Museum will celebrate European Heritage Days 2024 with a unique event focused on the evolution of lighting in the theater.

Featuring a 20th-century gas lamp and a book of records from the lamplighters who worked at the gas plant in Gazi, the event will include expert talks and a hands-on workshop for adults. Stay tuned for more details on this illuminating experience!

This September, the Maria Callas Museum returns with a refreshed lineup of educational programs for both schools and families. Each Sunday, the museum will offer playful and imaginative family-friendly activities that explore the world of the arts. Plan your visit today!

Kids and their families will get to immerse themselves in the world of opera through a creative movement workshop based on Giuseppe Verdi’s famous work, La Traviata. This interactive program will have participants using their bodies to bring scenes from the opera to life, helping them understand the flow of movement and inspiring them to create their own choreography.

Where will your postcard travel? Every Saturday and Sunday in September, from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, children and adults can create their own souvenir postcard featuring a portrait of Maria Callas using the stencil technique. In this fun and artistic activity, participants will get to know the iconic diva and take home a personalized keepsake to remember the experience.

 

After your tour, don’t forget to stop by the museum café for a refreshing drink or visit the museum shop for unique gifts and souvenirs!

 

Starting life in a new country, apart from changing addresses, is very about adapting to an entirely different culture. Designed for newcomers to Greece, cross-cultural support provides the insight and practical tools needed to understand and embrace local customs, social norms, and professional life with confidence.

 

From everyday conversations to workplace dynamics, adjusting to Greek culture can be both enriching and challenging. Tailored cultural orientations help individuals and families build awareness, reduce culture shock, and ease into life in Greece, both personally and professionally.

Some Cross-Culture Topics Can Include:

• Local values and daily routines.

• Social etiquette and communication styles.

• Understanding professional and workplace culture.

• Helping children adjust socially and at school.

• Comparative insights based on the assignee’s cultural background.

• Practical advice for smoother integration into the community.
  
  

Whether you're relocating solo or with loved ones, cultural preparation plays a key role in making the transition feel natural. This kind of support goes far beyond information—it's about creating connection and a sense of belonging.

Get in touch with us to learn more about integrating into Greek culture with confidence!