The construction of the metro network underneath the city of Thessaloniki in northern Greece has unearthed an extraordinary number of ancient artefacts.

ACS Athens continuously takes an active stand in civic responsibility and environmental issues.

“The school’s dedication in Serving Humanity drives ACS Athens to seek strong partners who share the same vision for a better world,” said ACS Athens President Dr. Stefanos Gialamas. Such an opportunity presented itself at the World Human Forum Convergence at Delphi, when Dr. Gialamas, met Don Mullan, a renowned social entrepreneur and founder of the Hope Initiatives International project under the DonMullan Organization.

During his recent visit to ACS Athens, Mr. Mullan discussed with Dr. Gialamas the significant synergy potential between the two institutions and announced their partnership regarding Africa’s Great Green Wall, an initiative of the African Union, under the auspices of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

ACS Athens, through its civic responsibility and volunteer programs, that are embedded in its academic curriculum, will involve its community to become active supporters of this cause.

ACS Athens is the first school in the world to partner with the Great Green Wall initiative in order to develop a similar environmental project in Greece according to the needs and biodiversity specifications of its ecosystem.

“Through the collaboration and partnership with ACS Athens we hope that we can inspire schools, colleges and universities around the world to join with us in planting millions of trees worldwide and across the Sahel Region in Africa in an effort to halt desertification, grow food security, restore degraded lands and combat the threats posed by Global Warming.” Don Mullan noted on the foundation of this alliance.

African countries have taken the initiative to restore degraded land and thus prevent the estimated 60-million people fleeing sub-Saharan Africa due to desertification. The Great Green Wall is planned to span 13 countries with 8,000 kilometers from east to west and 15 kilometers in depth.

Inspired by this effort, Don Mullan has initiated a number of projects and has been instrumental in achieving a EUR 1.2 million contribution from the Irish Government for a transcontinental UNCCD inventory of the Great Green Wall with a view to a major upscaling of efforts to ensure this 21st Century New World Wonder is delivered by 2030.

Mazi Farm

Located on the island of Euboea in central Greece, Mazi Farm is a 5-hectare farm that produces fids, pomegranates, almonds, and pistachios. Unlike most farms in Greece and the Mediterranean, Mazi Farm is a farm of regenerative agriculture, a technique that strives to produce quality food whilst having a positive environmental impact, enriching our social context and being financially sustainable.

The team of farmers are applying agricultural techniques capable of building soil, protecting biodiversity, keeping rivers clean, and capturing carbon from the atmosphere while producing an abundance of healthy nutritious food. At the heart of their approach is agroforestry, the union of agriculture and forests. Forests are vital to the health of our ecosystems and provide numerous ecosystem services that we can include in our farming practices.

The Farmers

Back in 2017, the Tsitsos family took a leap, a very big leap… they decided to become agroforestry farmers. The family, which was spread out in different parts of the world, reunited to become full-time farmers, restore a rugged 5-hectare plot, regenerate the land, and manage to grow highly nutritious food.

Dimitri, Georges, Etienne, Christine, and Solene have put their previous lives behind and have committed to actively participate in the restoration of our ecosystem and to harvest nutrient-dense produce that’s healthy and wholesome.

Together, they are farming for the future and so far, have planted 8,000 fruit & wild trees.

When we think of the Cyclades islands, the traditional white houses of Mykonos and Santorini immediately spring to mind, yet not many have heard of Kea – an unsung destination, the closest Cyclades getaway to Athens, but one that feels much further away. Within an hour from the port of Lavrio, you reach a haven of serenity, an island of distinct charm and surprisingly varied landscape. Wild, rugged slopes and steep mountains contrast with vast green valleys interspersed by almond groves and oak forests. Kea or Tzia has always been popular among Athenians but still remains a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Kea is a hiker's paradise with a large circuit of exciting trails that lead to fascinating coves and the ruins of ancient cities. Walking is the best way to explore the island, starting from the capital, Ioulis, a traditional Cycladic settlement amphitheatrically built on the slopes of two hills, with stone-paved streets and picturesque cobbled paths that offer the ideal setting for atmospheric strolls. Some of the major attractions include the island’s mascot,  the imposing statue of the Lion of Kea, and the Venetian castle. Kea has also been blessed with lovely off-the-beaten-track beaches. The long sandy beaches of Otzias and Gialiskari are the most popular, while Koundouros is yet another incredible beach, awarded with a blue flag. The fishing village of Vourkari as well as the port of Korissia, which teems with souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants are worth exploring. Last but not least, the monastery of Panagia Kastriani located at the northeastern part of the island, structured on precipitous rocks offers sweeping vistas.

The well-preserved network of footpaths provided the ultimate setting for Kea Challenge, a trail running event that took place on 13 and 14 of April 2019. In order to promote the traditional trekking paths and the cultural history of Kea, the island participated in the Cyclades Trail Cup 2019, a series of running events in Greek islands, aiming to provide incentives for athletes to explore the Cyclades islands via unique routes, specially tailored to the topography of each area.

Kea Challenge, the first event of the Cyclades Trail Cup 2019, welcomed 120 athletes from Greece and abroad and comprised 3 unique running routes. The athletes had to combine a downhill race on the first day with either a 5 km or 18 km route on the next day. The Karthaia downhill race took place on Saturday, April 13, under pouring rain. From the Stavroudaki settlement, the participants followed the traditional paths and dirt road that led steeply down to the ancient theatre of Karthaia. After a total descent of 240 meters, the athletes were rewarded with a landscape of impeccable beauty; an unspoiled beach and the remaining fragments of columns that proved the city’s former glory. On Saturday night, the participants visited the Folklore Museum of Milopotamos village in order to listen to traditional music, mingle with the locals, and get to know Kea.

On Sunday, April 14, the athletes had a choice to participate in either the 5 km or the 18 km race. The starting point of the race was next to the Municipality building of Kea, in Ioulis. The first kilometer was along the sun-drenched streets of Chora and then the runners followed amazing hiking trails to discover Kea’s verdant and diverse landscape, green covered hills, and lush foliage. The traditional, local treats at the finish line were undoubtedly a delicious reward!

Whether you enjoy hiking, exploring historic sites, strolling down stone-laid trails, sailing or swimming in crystalline waters, the island’s distinctive morphology and amazing coastline offer unlimited options. Kea is an underrated, enchanting destination that will definitely seduce nature lovers, and is just a stone's throw away from Athens!

Photo Credit: Ypatia Kornarou - GreekTV.com

As part of the series of art exhibitions "Divine Dialogues", the Museum of Cycladic Art organizes this year, from 20 June to 20 October, a major exhibition titled "Picasso and Antiquity. Line and clay". It is a rare exhibition about Picasso and his inspiration from antiquity in conversation with ancient works of art, curated by Professor N. C. Stampolidis and Olivier Berggruen.

The greatest of twentieth-century modern artists is famous for his spectacular paintings but less for his drawings, engravings, and pottery. The combination of these media closely recalls antiquity and has produced works inspired by the Creto-Mycenaean and Greek worlds and the Mediterranean civilizations in general.

In the exhibition “Picasso and Antiquity. Line and clay” rare works by Picasso, depicting marine creatures, animals, human figures, mythological scenes, and scenes inspired by ancient tragedy and comedy, converse with ancient artefacts in another unique “Divine Dialogue” at the Museum of Cycladic Art.

A whole world is revealed in the Museum of Cycladic Art, a world carried by the artist inside him, a world of antiquities discovered not necessarily in the ancient lands of the Mediterranean but in European museums, in books, and in conversations with Christian Zervos and Jean Cocteau.

Photo Credit: Succession Picasso 2019

The Meet Market is back at our homely venue of Technopolis for our classic, annual Easter Edition celebration, and ready to hail the arrival of Spring one weekend before the big week, on the 20th and the 21st of April! 

Expect to find us in our usual spot, both indoor and outdoor, with our usual tents, but with plenty of new businesses & brands too, making a total of 120+ participants. Indeed, there will be something for everyone at our April Meet Market, from back-to-back dj sets all weekend long, street food, yummy cocktails, and interactive games for kids, including our annual Easter Egg Hunt for our little friends (and big friends too), where we will be hiding over 100 eggs all over Technopolis. Find them and bring them to the central cashier to pick up prizes! And while you are at the Central Cashier, roll the dice to see what other gifts you can win.

We have organized some special activities for kids during this Easter Meet Market. Saturday will feature circus workshops and juggling shows from the Fundastick Performing Arts Crew and Sunday, we will be joined by ΠΑΙΖώΝΤΑΣ Team for plenty of fun in the sun, including ziplining, slacklining, mega jenga and bubble fun. We will also have graffiti workshops from our favorite doodlers on the planet, Imaginary Rooms, of course! So, gather your family, call up your friends, put on your egg hunting gear and come to Gazi for a weekend full of meetings, shopping, chatting, food, music and a whole lot o’ Easter fun!

For more information on the exact line ups click HERE!

Keep it local! Support the independents. Happy Easter!

For the 7th consecutive year, “Navarino Challenge”, the annual celebration of sports, comes to Messinia and Costa Navarino from October 11 to 13, 2019 with new surprises and new activities!

Greek basketball legend Nick Galis, the first Greek basketball player to have joined the Hall of Fame, and to have been counted among the pantheon of world basketball greats, will be present at the award-winning event for the first time. Emphasizing the role of sports in bringing people together, Nick Galis pointed out: “Sport unites people. Sport unites nations. The Navarino Challenge brings together professional and amateur athletes, people of different ages, genders and skills. It creates friendships and special bonds between participants who all speak the same language, that of sports. As a society, we have to send the message that sports unites people - #sportsunitespeople - but to also give young children core ethical values through sport. Costa Navarino and Navarino Challenge are pioneers in promoting this idea and I will contribute to spreading the message with great pleasure”.

Nick Galis will be the guest of honour at this year's event and he will be the one to tip off the 4on4 tournament at Costa Navarino. Participants who book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino will, for the first time this year, have the opportunity to form their own championship team and compete in the tournament until the finals. Basketball clinic with Joe Arlauckas Basketball will be the sport of honour with Euroleague legend Joe Arlaukas leading basketball lessons for children aged between 5 and 17.

Free participation in the Authentic Marathon of Athens for the first 50. 

The first 50 to book a package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino will earn a free participation in the Athens Authentic Marathon’s 5km race on November 10, 2019. With the main goal of promoting sport and fair play through its message “sport unites people”, Navarino Challenge will include more than 10 Olympic sports and numerous activities for everyone in its programme.

Navarino Challenge participants who’ve booked their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in the main activities (running, swimming) can also enjoy all the other event activities. More information on accommodation packages can be found HERE!

Runners and swimmers can act immediately to take advantage of the early bird offer by registering to a 30% discount until 31 May (children’s participation is free of charge).

Entries for the award-winning sporting event are underway and interested parties can take part by completing the special form available HERE!

Pre-sale is also available online via www.viva.gr or by phone at 11876 as well as at all Viva pre-sale points. “Navarino Challenge” participants who book their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in the main events (running, swimming) will also have the opportunity to enjoy the full activities programme.

More information on premium hosting packages will be announced in the coming weeks.

Samsung is the official technology partner for another year.
Official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas and the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”. Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for one more year.
Official supporters are Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, Poseidonia and Avance Rent A Car. “Navarino Challenge” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 programme of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia.
Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Sponsors: Ford Motor Hellas, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi
Official Supporters: Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, Poseidonia, Avance Rent A Car Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy, Fysiotek Sports Lab, Climb Up Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, Athens Easy Transfers, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Karalis Beach Hotel, Pylos Poems
Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell