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The event was completed with participations from 35 countries

Santorini, October 10, 2024 – The unique Cycladic architecture, the intoxicating atmosphere where the blue of the Aegean Sea meets the reddish cliffs and the whitewashed houses, the picturesque Caldera villages, the excellent food and wine, the luxury and the unforgettable sunsets all combined in harmony with Santorini’s volcanic character and perfect weather providing the ideal conditions for sports tourism on the island.

From October 3 to 6, Santorini hosted professional and amateur athletes from 35 countries for the 7th Santorini Experience, offering a thrilling experience to participants from countries such as USA, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Italy, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Serbia, Croatia, and Greece among others.
The unsurpassed beauty spots of the island such as the Volcano and the path that connects Oia to Fira with the impressive Caldera and the exceptional view of the Aegean were the reference points of this year's event.

Swimming of “Stars” from the Volcano!

On Friday, October 4, participants swam from the Volcano to the old port of Fira in an exciting 1.5-miles (2.4 km) open water swimming race, overlooking the imposing view of Santorini. The global elite of open water swimming who competed in Paris Olympic Games joined the unique race. Italian world champion and European champion Barbara Pozzobon, Hungarian silver medalist in world and European championships and 4th Olympian Anna Olasz, German world and European champion Leonie Beck, European champion Mario Sanzullo from Italy, and Greek champion Dimitris Negris were among the participants. The Italian coach Fabrizio Antonelli with distinctions in the Olympic Games and world championships was also present. The first place among the men was shared by Dimitris Negris and Mario Sanzullo while among the women Barbara Pozzobon finished first.


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The swimming route took place with absolute safety in the enchanting waters of Santorini (with an average water temperature of 22-23 degrees Celsius), supported by the Santorini Boatmen’s Union, who assisted both in the implementation of the race and in the safe transport of swimmers from the old port of Fira to the Volcano. The safety of the race was ensured by specialized professional lifeguards and rescue boats from Lifeguard Patrol, who also provided the necessary medical and pharmaceutical equipment. Santorini Nautical Club, the Volunteer Rescue Team of Thira, and Caldera Yachting also supported the event with boats and personnel, while the organization, with the help of SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, provided every athlete with a safety buoy, which was mandatory for all participants, offering additional safety. The Technical Director of the swimming race was Nikos Gemelos, a swimming coach with Olympic and world-class distinctions. 

Running on the Caldera with a Breathtaking View

This year, the event returned to the three familiar and beloved trail-running routes along the Caldera, on the path connecting Oia to Fira. On the morning of Saturday, October 5th, participants enjoyed spectacular routes, suitable for all, with the magical view of the volcano. The races kicked off in the morning with the 15km route powered by HOKA and the 10km route powered by SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, followed by the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” race powered by Miele. All the routes started from the desalination plant in Oia, included dirt track points, and finished back in Oia.

In the men's category, Alexandros Karykas, an athlete for HOKA, emerged as the winner of the 15km race, while Polish runner Patryk Sobczyk dominated both the 10km and 5km races. In the women's category, Katerina Radi won the 15km race, Maria Bebi the 10km, and German runner Lina Haase the 5km. 

The running routes featured four refreshment stations, with one of them located at the Nobu Hotel Santorini, which warmly welcomed the Asian runners.

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Here are all the results for the running and swimming races!


As part of the Santorini Experience 2024, the Mayor of Thira, Mr. Nikos Zorzos, stated: “It is a pleasure for me, as Santorini Experience began during a previous term when I was Mayor. It continues now, and this is the 7th time. It's an excellent and unique route globally. The organization is flawless, and it will continue throughout the five years of my term as Mayor. Our goal is to organize similar sporting events and, of course, to extend our tourist season. Santorini offers a natural uniqueness. Our island has many points of interest, starting with its geophysical environment and natural beauty. It is important to host sporting events and attract top athletes to enjoy the wonders of our island. Santorini Experience is a unique event for everyone. We will continue organizing sports events and do everything possible to make sports flourish on the island”.

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Side Activities for the Children of Santorini

The Municipality of Thira, in an effort to introduce young people to sports and promote healthy athletic role models, enriched this year's schedule with many side activities.

Taekwondo Lessons with Michalis Mouroutsos

On Saturday, October 5th, Olympic gold medalist Michalis Mouroutsos held taekwondo lessons for children. He also conducted a seminar for the competitive taekwondo clubs: AS Leontes Santorini, AS Panthiras, and AS Olympic Academy Santorini. The event took place at the Santorini Indoor Gym. A brief speech was given by Dora Tsampazi, journalist and wife of the late two-time Olympic silver medalist in taekwondo, Alexandros Nikolaidis.

Printezis & Arlauckas with the Children of Santorini

For the first time, two sports legends, EuroLeague two-time champion and record holder Georgios Printezis and EuroLeague legend and Real Madrid European champion Joe Arlauckas, joined forces to teach the basics of basketball to the youth of Santorini. On Sunday, October 6th, the children of Santorini’s sports clubs, with the active participation of the Athletic Union of Santorini, had the opportunity to meet these international basketball stars and learn the “secrets” of the game at the basketball clinic powered by Trace 'n Chase, also held at the Santorini Indoor Gym.

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Kids Running with European Champion Periklis Iakovakis

As part of the side activities of Santorini Experience, a Kids Running event was held with Olympian and European champion in the 400m hurdles, Periklis Iakovakis. The children's run took place on Sunday, October 6th at the Municipal Stadium of Thira (Panthiraikos Stadium), with the enthusiastic participation of the AS Hephaestus Thira sports club and children from the Municipality of Thira.

Speeches on Diversity with Dimitris Papanikolaou powered by MOTODYNAMICS

For the first time, speeches on diversity were organized with Dimitris Papanikolaou, a former international basketball player, European champion, and ambassador of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. These talks were held for students of Fira High School, Mesaria High School, the Special School of Mesaria, Emporio High School, and Fira Lyceum. Through these sessions, Papanikolaou aimed to inspire and educate young students on the importance of embracing diversity. 

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Speech by Pavlos Kagialis powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group

As part of this year’s event, on Saturday, October 5, a speech was held by Olympic bronze medalist in sailing Pavlos Kagialis, to the children of Santorini Sailing Club, powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group. Over 40 children attentively listened to their role model as he spoke about his sport, his career journey, and the challenges he faced, and offered valuable life and sports advice. 

Road Safety speeches powered by MOTODYNAMICS

Additionally, the MOTODYNAMICS Group in collaboration with the Municipality of Thira, organized speeches related to road safety with motorsports coach Thanasis Chountras, for students of Fira Lyceum, Thira Vocational School (EPAL), Fira High School, and Mesaria High School. These informative speeches captivated the students, while many of them expressed enthusiasm about the next visit of the distinguished speaker! 

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Pilates & Yoga Sessions

As part of this year’s Santorini Experience, Pilates lessons were organized by Mandy Persaki at Santo Pure Oia and Santo Mine Oia hotels. Additionally, yoga sessions powered by Messinian Spa were held at Athina Luxury Suites, offering participants a relaxing experience alongside the stunning Santorini scenery.

Gastronomy & Sports

The MOTODYNAMICS Group, in collaboration with Miele, combined the worlds of gastronomy and sports by hosting exclusive dining experiences for their distinguished guests. These unique meals took place at top-tier restaurants like Esperisma Bar Restaurant and Selene Restaurant, showcasing Santorini’s local flavors and products in a special and refined way.

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In addition, exceptional meals were organized at Nobu Hotel Santorini and Seaside Santorini restaurants, along with cocktails at Esperisma Bar Restaurant and Santo Mine Oia. 

Guests were given tours of the Santo Wines Winery and visited the Miele store in Santorini. As a Bronze Sponsor, Miele offered its guests a unique experience, blending the luxury of its appliances with gourmet cuisine. In this exclusive setting, Chef Alexandros Syngkiridis of Miele provided an unforgettable live cooking experience, using Miele’s state-of-the-art appliances. As guests explored the fully equipped store, they watched the chef in action as he prepared a series of refined dishes, transforming the kitchen into a space of creativity and indulgence.

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Gifts for Participants & Winners of the Races!

For the first time, hoper, the company that introduces scheduled helicopter flights in Greece, became the Official Helicopter Partner of Santorini Experience. As part of this year’s event, the innovative company awarded both male and female winners of the open water swimming race with a helicopter tour, ensuring their safety with its modern fleet. Additionally, guests of Santorini Experience also had the opportunity to enjoy exciting aerial tours over the stunning landscapes of Santorini.

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This year, HOKA, one of the top brands in running, joined Santorini Experience for the first time as the Official Footwear Sponsor. As part of their participation, HOKA offered a unique pair of running shoes to both the male and female winners of the 15km race, powered by HOKA. HOKA's shoes are specially designed for running, utilizing advanced technologies unique for the brand.

SportAdore, the exclusive distributor of Luanvi in Greece, a leading company known for its participation in major running events like the Valencia Marathon, provided gift vouchers and top-notch sports equipment to the second and third place finishers in all the races.

Kois Optics, a leader in the optics market that emphasizes the history and culture of the island of Syros, as the Official Optics Partner of the event, awarded a pair of sunglasses to the male and female winners of the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” race, powered by Miele, and the 10km race, powered by SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group.

Additionally, the top three male and female winners in both running and swimming events received special gifts from Messinian Spa, a cosmetic line based on Kalamata olive oil and other natural treasures of Greek nature.

Free Entry for Santorini Residents

The participation of Santorini residents in both running and swimming events was free of charge, in an effort by the Municipality of Thira to promote exercise and well-being among its inhabitants, while also giving them the opportunity to compete alongside top athletes. 

Sponsors Supporting the Event

The guests of the event traveled around the island in comfort and safety with the premium fleet of SIXT, the Premium Mobility Partner of Santorini Experience 2024. 

SKY express, the Official Airline Partner of the event, provided daily flights from Athens to Santorini, making it the ideal travel choice for visitors attending the event.

Those who traveled to Santorini for the event by ferry enjoyed the safety and comfort offered by Blue Star Ferries, Greece's leading passenger shipping company.

Participants also benefited from the quality transport services of Santorini’s Best Driver, that organized their transfers around the island.

Alafouzos Sport in Fira facilitated the registration of Santorini residents and served as the Official Sports Store, where participants could pick up their participation kits.

All participants stayed hydrated with Vikos natural mineral water, while runners and swimmers enjoyed the excellent craft beers of Ftelos Brewery Santorini.

Thanks to GoPro, unique moments from the event were captured, including stunning time-lapse photos.

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The SAMI TARAZI Pharmacies, located in the areas of Karterados and Megalochori, were there for every athlete and supported Santorini Experience 2024 as a Partner of the event. 

In the heart of Santorini in Messaria, HealthSpot provided diagnostic tests with the most modern equipment, as well as ambulance services for the swimming and running races.

The National Center for Immediate Help (EKAV) team also contributed to the medical coverage of the Santorini Experience, providing a doctor and an ambulance.

The Premium Mobility Partner of the event was SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. 
The Silver Sponsor was Athina Luxury Suites. 
The Official Action Camera of the event was GoPro. 
The Official Footwear Sponsor was HOKA.
The Official Water was Vikos Natural Mineral Water. 
Bronze Sponsors of the event were Miele and NOUS Santorini. 
The Official Helicopter Partner was hoper. 
The Official Airline Partner was SKY express. 
The Official Sponsor was Blue Star Ferries. 
The Official Sports Store of the event was Alafouzos Sport. 
The Official Technical T-shirt was Luanvi. 
The Official Optics Partner were Kois Optics. 
Partners of the event included Santorini Boatmen Association, Caldera Yachting, Nobu Hotel Santorini, Santorini’s Best Driver, Seaside Santorini, Messinian Spa, Santo Wines, Ftelos Brewery Santorini, Lifeguard Patrol, Agaze Restaurant, SAMI TARAZI Pharmacies, Health Spot, the Volunteer Rescue Corps of Thira, and Trace ‘n Chase. 
The Sustainability Partner was π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention. 
The Educational Partner of Santorini Experience was the Athens University of Economics and Business.

The event could not have taken place without the invaluable support of 36 Hospitality Sponsors, hotels that promoted the island with special prices and provided immense support to the event. The hotels that assisted with Santorini Experience 2024 included: Athina Luxury Suites, NOUS Santorini, Nobu Hotel Santorini, Katikies Garden Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, Santo Mine Oia Suites, Apeiron Blue, 270 Oia’s View, West East Suites, Lydia’s House, Santorini Folia Bianca, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, De Sol Hotel & Spa, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Meltemi Suites, Meltemi Village, Atlantis Beach, Neoklassiko Koukouli, Noni Studios, Santoriviera House, Ifestau4, En Plo Boutique Suites, Mon Signor, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), Eteoro Suites Santorini, Sea Breeze Beach Resort Santorini, K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Aja Retreat, Blue Dolphins, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort.

Volunteering & Environment 

For the first time, Santorini Experience was supported by the dynamic team of Humanity Greece, who assisted and managed the registration department. With consistency, respect, and always adhering to the regulations, the team led by founder Georgia Paraschou served hundreds of participants. Meanwhile, the large team from the Athens University of Economics and Business helped with the swimming and running races, enhancing the spirit of solidarity and encouraging athletes at every point along the course, just as the Volunteer Rescue Corps of Thira did. 

In addition to supporting this specific section, the event as a minimal token of support, ensured with the help of π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention the cleaning of the running routes and the recycling of packaging during running and swimming activities. 

Santorini Experience 2024 was co-organized by the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group. The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization. 

For more information: santorini-experience.com

#SantoriniExperience

Website: www.santorini-experience.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniExperience
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/
Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/Sant_Experience
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGconq7q45TYim8qFg71XlA
TikTok Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@santorini_experience 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:04

Springtime Long Weekends…

Long weekends are great, even when they are interrupted by a work day! So last weekend certainly felt like a long weekend, though Thursday was the official day off.  I spent the weekend drinking coffee – lots of coffee – and catching up with a few friends I hadn’t seen for ages…

There is something special about the start of May – it’s the weather, it’s the greening of the landscape, it’s the flowers in bloom everywhere, it’s the great energy of everyone, it’s the promise that summer is around the corner. It’s also the crazy cats doing their business on every corner and some interesting looking bugs on the street…

The whole weekend I was struck by something that seemed unusual, or rather ‘unseasonal’: the huge number of tourists in the city!  I began to notice this a couple weeks ago, but this past weekend left no doubt. Athens is back on the tourism map. Having been through the airport a few times over the past couple weeks, I can also say that the place is packed…

It seems Greek tourism is in all the headlines too – locally and internationally. Even the New York Times put Athens on its must-see list for 2014 (http://tinyurl.com/mgsgllo). That must deserve a thank-you from someone…

Here are some more recent headlines from a random search:

·      ‘Greece’s Market Return mirrors return of tourists’

·      ‘Tourism in Greece beats competition’

·      ‘Tourism Boom drives Greece to first surplus’

·      ‘Greek Tourism set for a record year’

·      ‘Greece sets positive signs for tourism’

Is it possible? Is it possible that all those people scared off by tales of violence and empty ATM machines are booking their EasyJet flights? Should we believe this out-pouring of positive feeling from abroad? Will this summer be one for the record books?

Well, it’s May and the answer – for now at least – seems to be a resounding yes. So hats off and smiles on for the tourists – they are everywhere…

In the meantime, if you’re looking to freshen up your springtime nightlife, or for cool new places to take your visiting friends, check out some of the many new bars that have popped up around the city: http://tinyurl.com/lbxgstp  (in Greek, but you’ll get the picture…)

Kalo mina to all…

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

 

Wednesday, 18 February 2015 10:47

Visit The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum opened in June 2009. Designed by the internationally acclaimed Bernard Tschumi in collaboration with Greek architect Michael Photiadis, the new museum is a great step up from its former premises, which resembled something like a shed atop the ancient citadel. Visitors to the 14,000-square meter state-of-the-art building can observe around 4,000 artifacts while looking up toward the Parthenon itself. The museum offers excellent views of the Acropolis and visitors can also see archaeological findings unearthed during the building’s construction, covered by glass for their protection.

The program ‘A Day at the Acropolis Museum’ invites visitors to spend a day at the Museum enjoying a range of activities.

Stroll through the Galleries
Take a stroll through the exhibition and speak to a museum archaeologist host available to answer any questions or queries you have. From the second floor balcony see a special and unexpected view of the Archaic Gallery. Visit the Parthenon Gallery on the third floor with its unique views of the Acropolis.

Conserving the Caryatids
The Acropolis Museum has commenced the conservation and restoration of the Caryatids, the Kore from the south porch of the Erechtheion temple. Visitors have the opportunity to watch conservators do the delicate work of cleaning the Caryatids with advanced laser technology.

Family Backpacks
The Museum invites families to search for the 12 different representations of the Goddess Athena amongst the exhibits of the permanent collection. Families can borrow a family backpack from the Museum’s Information Desk by leaving an identification card. Backpacks are available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Gallery Talks
Brief presentations by Museum Archaeologists-Hosts are held in Greek and English every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Film
Visitors can learn more about the Parthenon sculpted decoration from a video projected on the third floor at the entrance to the Parthenon Gallery.

Eats and Treats
The Museum invites visitors to have a meal or refreshment at the second floor restaurant with panoramic views of the Acropolis (children’s menu available). On a fine day visitors can sit outside on the restaurant balcony. A small café is also available on the ground floor offering views to the archaeological excavation below the Museum.

Reading Area and Wi-Fi
The Museum offers the reading area with free wi-fi internet access on the second floor outside the restaurant. Visitors can browse through books relating to the Parthenon, relax or use their laptop.

Museum Gifts
Treat yourself to a small memento of your visit or one for friends and family. Select a gift from the wide range of goods available from the Museum shops. Find books in the second floor shop and gifts and stationary on the ground floor.

Friday Nights at the Museum
Every Friday the Museum is open until 10 p.m. every Friday and the restaurant is open between 8 p.m. and 12 midnight serving a special menu, beautiful night views of the Acropolis and great value for money. For reservations, please contact the restaurant during Museum opening hours on +30 210 9000915.

Museum Contact Info:

15 Dionysiou Areopagitou,
Acropolis, Athens
Tel: 210-9000900

Website: www.theacropolismuseum.gr

Source: Breathtaking Athens and Acropolis Museum

 

 

 

Foreigners doubled their investment in Greek property, mostly holiday homes, in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2013, Bank of Greece data show.

In the period from January to June 2014 a total of 117.4 million euros flowed into Greece to that end, compared with 60.3 million a year earlier, reflecting the clear improvement in the holiday home market, at least as far as foreign buyers are concerned, as they are cottoning on to the bargains currently available in Greece.

Holiday home prices in Greece have dropped more than 40 percent since the start of the crisis six years go.

Demand has soared to such an extent this year that it eclipsed the sum of all investment for the whole of 2012 (113 million euros) in the first six months. Foreign interest in the local market started to become evident last year when they invested 168 million euros – 48.5 percent more than in 2012. And this year’s growth would have been greater had the market not had the cloud of its unstable tax status hanging over it. Transactions were significantly reduced in the first five months of 2014 due to the unclear application of the capital gains tax on properties, forcing many investors to postpone their purchases.

To read more, please visit www.ekathimerini.com

By Nikos Roussanoglou

Friday, 27 February 2015 16:05

New Novel “Sunsets in Oia”

A dazzling remote island, delectable food, soulful music, steamy romance and life-changing experiences – this sounds like the making of a remarkable vacation retreat. And it can all be enjoyed within the pages of Sunsets in Oia. Now, readers everywhere can escape their everyday lives and travel along with exciting characters as they explore a real-to-life location.

The debut novel by Canadian writer Sheila Busteed, “Sunsets in Oia” follows Selene Doherty, whose excitement from the successful tour with her band is cut short when she learns that her parents were killed in the Athens riots. After the funeral, she escapes to her bequeathed summer home on the island of Santorini to recover from the tragedy. She is haunted. The loss of her family leaves her with a feeling of disconnectedness that is unshakable.

But a chance reunion with a man from her past brings new romance – and hope. Drawing strength as he helps her get in touch with her roots, Selene begins the journey to redefine her life.

“Sunsets in Oia” offers a snapshot of a summer, blending vibrant characters, enduring culture, vivid scenery and impactful themes – plus a bit of erotica – that will leave readers cheering, “Opa!”

“Sunsets in Oia” is for sale through the FriesenPress Bookstore and will soon be available from other fine retailers, including Chapters Indigo, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Google, iTunes, Kindle, Kobo and Nook, among others.

Author Sheila Busteed, 28, is a freelance writer, teacher, journalist, photographer and designer who possesses a deep connection to music. Originally from Tecumseh, Ontario, Busteed is an avid traveler, and the creation of “Sunsets in Oia” took her back to the island of Santorini for a writing retreat. After nearly a decade in Canada’s capital, Busteed moved to South Korea to begin a new career as an English teacher. She spends much of her spare time writing, traveling and learning about her newly adopted home.

By Anastasios Papapostolou

Greek Reporter

Journalist and editor Lorraine Eyre runs the “Homeless but not Hopeless” charity. In a piece written for GreekTV, Lorraine reflects on the misguided attitudes about the homeless community in the country, the reasons many find themselves on the streets, and offers vignettes of individual stories.

“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and not cared for is the greatest poverty.” (Mother Teresa) 

Individuals and families who are sleeping rough on the streets of Athens without access to shelter, food, and laundry facilities have become outcasts of society. Sometimes referred to as “bag” people, they are almost socially invisible to those who consider them to be second-class citizens. The plight of the growing homeless community in the city continues to spiral out of control. The situation sadly remains unnoticed by those whose responsibility it is to help them.

Fortunately, however, there are kind and compassioante people living here in Greece and abroad who do care.  Large numbers of dedicated volunteers and members of organizations are fiercely committed to providing help and offering their support.  Those volunteers who have come face to face with the harsh realities out on the streets and have listened to the heart-wrenching stories, many from families with young children, have realized that everyone is important in this word and commands the same respect.

To read more, please visit: Greek TV


Wednesday, 20 January 2016 07:00

Greeks Who Have Left Their Mark On 2015

2015 was a tough year for Greece, but these Greeks managed to distinguish themselves and excel in their professional fields as well as inspire others to continue fighting for their ideals.  Here we present to you the 10 Greeks that left their mark in 2015:

Paul Alivisatos
Paul Alivisatos is considered one of the fathers of nanoscience for his ground-breaking research in quantum dots and other artificial nanostructures. In 2015 he was chosen as the recipient of the National Medal of Science by President Obama, America's highest honor for lifetime achievement in fields of scientific research.  The Greek-American is the director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and an award-winning chemist.  He has been internationally recognized as an authority ont he fabrication of nanocrystals and their use in solar energy applications. Alivisatos, 56, holds appointments with the University of California Berkeley as the Samsung Distinguished Chair in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.  He is also a scientific founder of two prominent nanotechnology companies; Nanosys and Quantum Dot Corp.

John Calamos
Although John Calamos is known as a financial guru and the CEO and Chairman of the Calamos Investments, the Greek-American from Chicago made sure to bring to the U.S. the largest ever Ancient Greek exhibition in 2015.  Calamos became the biggest benefactor of the exhibit 'The Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great" to the United States. The exhibit, presented at the Field Museum of Chicago in collaboration with the National Hellenic Museum, offers the chance to see up close more than 500 artifacts from Ancient Greece.  Calamos is also the biggest donor and Chairman of the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago and countess other organisations that promote Hellenism.

Yannis Behrakis
The Greek photojournalist was praised for his coverage of two of the biggest stories of 2015, Europe's Refugee Crisis and the Financial Implosion in his home country.  The Guardian named him its photographer of the year and his photos made it to the covers of some of the world's most important media outlets.  Born in 1960, Behrakis studied photography at the Athens School of Arts and Technology and London's Middlesex University.  He has covered various significant events such as the Libya Crisis in 1989, the funeral of the founder of Iran's Islamic Republic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as well as the wars in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosova, Chechyna, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Afghanistan.

Angeliki Pappa
Angeliki Pappa is an eductator that has taught more than 800 students with special educational needs and trained about 1,500 teacher to use her own unique teaching methods.  In 2015 she was included in the list of 50 nominees for hte Varkey Foundation's Global Teacher Award for her work on dyslexia for the prize on one million dollars, also widely known as the Nobel Prize of teaching.  The top 50 candidates were selected from 8,000 entries and applications submitted from 148 countries around the world.  The winner will be announced at the Global Education & Skills Forum, to be held in March 2016 in Dubai.

To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter





Monday, 24 October 2016 07:00

Lemnos - Home To Greece’s Unique Desert

Lemnos is a magical place. A small island in the northern Aegean, the place where the three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa meet. Another reason why Lemnos is so special is that according to several people the island is the home of the only European desert.

People who have not visited the beautiful Greek island of Lemnos may think that it is a place of exile, a place resembling the moonscape, but that is only because they had not had a chance to explore the majestic island.

On the north side of Lemnos, in an area called Gomati, visitors have the chance to witness a unique and unexpected sight, a small desert. The 7 hectare area is located away from the sea full and it’s full of sand and dunes constantly changing shape, just like in the Sahara desert, depending on the direction of the wind.

The ever-changing terrain and landscape of the sand dunes accompanied by the deep-blue colors of the Aegean Sea make for an unforgettable sight.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter 
Since fleeing their home countries with their families, young refugees have been adapting to life in Athens and facing many challenges along the way. To help ease the transition and learn techniques to face these challenges, Free Movement Skateboarding was created to teach children and teens how to 'get back up' through skateboarding. NBC News reports on this Athens based charity and gives us a glimpse into the lives of young refugees learning how to ride.

"In a third-floor apartment in Athens’ graffiti-covered Exarchia neighborhood, the British trio behind the charity recently prepared for another long and loud afternoon."

"One of them, Ruby Mateja, 26, gathered roughly a dozen banged-up donated boards and replaced the metal trucks one by one. She then fastened the polyurethane wheels, scratched and blackened from carrying enthusiastic young boys and girls."

To read this article in full, please visit: NBC News
TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice Awards recently named AEGEAN Airlines the Best Regional Airline in Europe for 2018! 

Last year was the first year TripAdvisor included an airline category for the Traveler's Choice Awards. AEGEAN was also listed as one of the best for the 2017 Traveler's Choice Awards. To continue the success this year, they honored 69 airlines that provide exceptional value and service across the world. Singapore Airlines was named number one in the world. 

The Traveler's Choice Awards for airlines recognize carriers who exceed passenger expectations and receive great reviews from travelers. The winners of the 2018 Traveler’s Choice Awards for Airlines were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of airline reviews and ratings submitted by travelers worldwide on TripAdvisor Flights from February 2017 to February 2018.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Please click HERE to view TripAdvisor's Top 10 Airlines in the World for 2018.
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