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The top sports event Santorini Experience, which endorses the volcanic island of Cyclades for its sports tourism is postponed to October 1-3, 2021. Despite the dynamic efforts and the provision of all necessary permits, licenses, and approvals of health protocols for the safe and smooth implementation of the Santorini Experience in 2020, the event, which has been successfully assigned for the last six years to Active Media Group by the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS), will not take place in 2020.

Santorini Experience, is the annual sports appointment of Santorini, attracting professional and amateur athletes from Greece and abroad, while presenting unique running activities with a breathtaking view, on the path that connects Oia with Fira and an open water swimming race from the volcano to the old port of Fira. The appointment for the award-winning sea tourism event, with the running and swimming audience, is renewed for October 1-3, 2021.

Approval of Health Protocols

Santorini Experience had received the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation for the implementation of the swimming event and the approval of the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) for the implementation of the running races. At the same time, Active Media Group had acquired the approval of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, through the strict distinct health protocols designed for running and swimming respectively, while successfully passing the tests of the World Health Organization and World Athletics.

Registrations: Refund or Transfer of Participations to 2021

Active Media Group, always prioritizing the best service of its participants, offers the possibility of a refund to all runners and swimmers who had already completed their registration for Santorini Experience 2020 or alternatively the possibility of transferring their participation to the 2021 event.

Participants who had completed their registration will receive additional information within the following week, regarding the possibility of transferring their registration to the respective event of 2021 or its cancellation and refund of their registration fee.

A big thank you

Active Media Group would like to thank several people for their ongoing support. First of all, the people of Santorini, those who proved what solidarity, ethics, support, innovation, sustainability, creativity, quality, and vision mean, when society needed it, when Greek tourism needed it. 

Also, the foreign participants, the foreign champions, the swimmers’ groups from abroad, and the foreign journalists for their patience and understanding. 

A huge thanks to the members of the national swimming team, the Olympic medalists and world champions, the technical directors of the races, and all professional and amateur participants for the interest they showed until the very last minute to take part in the top sea tourism event.

Lastly, Active Media Group wishes to express their gratitude towards all sponsors, supporters, and partners, all the Greek and foreign media who stood alongside throughout the year and thank them for all their physical and ethical support.

An event that managed to achieve something unprecedented, to unite major companies of the island, top entrepreneurs, not only of the Greek tourism industry but on a worldwide scale. An event that was rewarded for the excellence of its best practices at the Greek Tourism Awards, the Sports Marketing Awards, and the Ermis Awards receiving foreign distinctions and awards, respectively.

In the aspect of healthcare, no consent or any additional action is required, nor the ratification by another body (e.g. Ministry, National Public Health Organization [EODY]), as the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports is the competent authority for sports events. In fact, the Committee is in constant contact with the sports committee of EODY for all current developments and more. We should not forget that when we talk about competence, we are talking about legal authority and the most fundamental form of the concept of competence is the constitutional distinction of the functions of a State.

Events will continue to take place, as they were recently held in Evia, Rethymno, Ioannina, as we all must learn to live in the new normal, with safety rules and strict protection measures, as set by the state.

Without fear, but with logic.

Athina Luxury Suites, Vikos Natural Mineral Water, and Blue Star Ferries were the event’s official sponsors.
Luanvi was the event’s official sports supplier.
Boatmen Union Santorini was the event’s official supporter.
Avance was the official car rental partner.
Messinian Spa was the event’s official beauty partner.
SKAI was the premium TV partner.
24MEDIA was the premium media partner.
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, and Swimmingclub.gr were the athletic partners of Santorini Experience.
The event was assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, and Caldera Yachting.
Tangopapas.com was the event’s travel partner.

Photo by:
Babis Giritziotis

In these difficult times, this year’s event was supported with amazing offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Katikies Santorini, Andronis Arcadia, West East Suites, K&K Unique Holiday Homes, Folia Bianca, Cocoon Suites, Marvarit Suites, Iriana Suites, Nefeles Luxury Suites, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Memories Hotel, 270 Oia’s View, Cori Rigas Suites, Uma Ray Suites, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Monolithia, Fanouris Condo, Epavlis Hotel, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Boutique Hotel, Esperas Santorini and Santorini Hospitality.

Santorini Experience had joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission which is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

Running races were organized along with AS Ifestos Thiras and EAS SEGAS Cyclades Region.

The event joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS) and the running community World’s Marathons.

#santoriniexperience























Earlier this week in Thessaloniki, the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Greek Minister of Development & Investments Adonis Georgiadis signed a joint U.S. and Greece commitment to promote science and technology. This agreement–which replaces a previous more generalized agreement dating back to 1980–will benefit both citizens and the economy while promoting security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
 
U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios, who attended the signing of the agreement, said in a statement that it "will pave the way for R&D investment, technological advancement, and continued leadership in cutting edge fields."
 
The U.S State Department has published the agreement fact sheet, which can be found here.

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab

The Acropolis's brand-new lighting design will be revealed on Wednesday, 30 September at 20:00, in the presence of the President of the Greek Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni, and the President of the Onassis Foundation, Antonis S. Papadimitriou.

The monument's new illumination is the first of a series of projects carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Sports to upgrade the Acropolis' infrastructure and services. The project has been implemented and funded by the Onassis Foundation.

The new illumination of Athens' most prominent landmark highlights the whole Sacred Rock, the Walls, the volume, and each monument's geometry, from every possible point of view. The marbles, whiter than ever, reflect every aspect, every geometric shape, every natural material, emphasizing the relief of each monument's decoration. 


Watch The New Illumination Of The Acropolis, Here

This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
Photo by Gavriil Papadiotis via digitalculture.gov.gr

Monday, 28 September 2020 07:00

How To Overcome Your Fear During The Pandemic

I meet a lot of people around me whose only topic of discussion is COVID-19. There are so many "what ifs," and the scenarios are not just dark; they are entirely black. It's not that we should not talk about the pandemic that is affecting the whole world. It concerns all of us, and yes, unfortunately, it still holds a prominent place in our daily lives. But there is a big difference between "I take precautions for myself and others" and "the end of the world has come."

Do not allow natural fear to transform into a phobia; while fear can shake you and get you into action, phobia paralyzes you and leads you to inactivity.
 
What we are going through is difficult and unknown. It's not in our nature to abstain from hugging our family and friends; however, this is the reality humanity faces today; tomorrow, things will be different. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We know that this, too, shall pass, but we also know that our lives after COVID-19 will not be the same as before. What we refer to as "normal" will not exist. It's not the first time humankind is going through such hard times. World War II is one such example; everyday life on a personal and professional level was different both before and after the war.

Nothing is permanent other than ourselves and our relationships, so we need to take special care. By allowing situations to influence and direct you, you are not helping yourself or others.

So what can you do? Here are some tips that will help:

1. Use the two outstanding skills you already have: patience and endurance. If you feel that you do not possess them 100%, don't worry; a few exercises will help you develop them.

2. Commit to something that is very important to you and that you will do every single day—for example, not checking your cell phone and social media for half an hour every day.

3. Observe what you allow to get into your internal and external environment. This practice will help you maintain a calm state of self-confidence and achieve something you want.


Opportunities exist in every situation. If someone else can do it, so can you!

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If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Athens Photo Festival 2020 is on view at the Benaki Museum / Pireos 138 through 15 November, featuring the work of 108 artists and photographers from 26 countries. 

Exploring diverse cultural, artistic, social, and political positions, the Festival brings together a wide variety of works from all the image-based genres, ranging from fine art and conceptual to documentary and photojournalism, photo-based installations, interactive content, and multimedia works. The exhibitions spread over two floors of the museum, covering an area of 2.200 square meters.

At the core of the Athens Photo Festival, in addition to exhibitions, is an engaging and multi-layered program of onsite and online events and the year-round activities, including education and public programs, talent development initiatives, social practice, and community outreach.

Opening hours

Thursday & Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00
The Municipality of Ermoupolis on the island of Syros, in collaboration with Marketing Greece, has launched a new digital campaign, that aims to promote Syros as an elite travel destination.
 
Alongside a gallery of high-resolution photos, the campaign includes a short video that showcases the island's unique features and elegant vibes.
 
Titled "The Classy Capital Of The Cyclades," the video focuses on the island's history, the unique areas of its capital, Ermoupolis, the stone-paved alleys of Ano Syros, its beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and fine local products.
 
To date, the video has attracted more than 1.260.000 internet users and has over 360.000 views.

 
















To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr

Learn more about what you can do and see on the island of Syros, here
Sunday, 22 September 2024 12:06

Dial 112 In Case Of Emergency In Greece & EU

112 is an integrated emergency communications service, which includes an inbound and an outbound component. In case of emergency, individuals can dial 112 for free from anywhere in Greece and the European Union.

The outbound component allows the reception of warnings via multiple technologies and communication channels in case of an imminent or occurring dangerous situation so that individuals can take the protective actions required to stay safe.

How To Use 112 In Case Of Emergency

Individuals in the EU need only to remember this emergency number to reach any emergency service. 112 is particularly useful for anyone who finds themselves in distress and needs emergency assistance while traveling within the EU.

The number is available in all EU member states alongside the domestic emergency numbers. However, some EU countries have opted for 112 as their single emergency number.

In Greece, 112 is available 24 hours a day, every day. By dialing 112, the caller can be connected to:

  • Police
  • Fire Brigade
  • Emergency Medical Services 
  • Coast Guard
  • the European Hotline for Missing Children 116000
  • the National Helpline for Children SOS 1056
The specially trained operators speak Greek, English, and French. Depending on the caller's emergency, the operator dispatches the call to the appropriate emergency service.
 
It is worth noting that 112 operators cannot provide traffic or weather reports, road assistance, or other general information.
 
Calls to 112 can be made from landline telephones, public payphones, and mobile phones (even without a SIM card) and are free of charge. 112 works inside the range of any cellular network.
 
Callers can also reach 112 through the following alternative channels:
  • Text message (SMS) or MMS to 112.
  • Email contact@112.gov.gr
  • Through the Gov.gr application. 

When dialing 112, the emergency call taker will ask for the location of the emergency and questions to determine whether you need police, fire, medical, or other assistance. When reaching 112 by text message or email please make sure to include the following information on your message:

  • What is your emergency?
  • What is the location of the emergency?
  • Are there any casualties?

The public authority having jurisdiction for 112 in Greece is the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.


For more information on the operation of 112 in each EU country, please click here





Moving forward to a Sustainable Maritime Future

On Thursday 24th of September 2020, at 19:00 YES FORUM celebrates this year’s World Maritime Day and invites H.E. the Ambassador and General Consul of Panama in Greece Mrs. Julie Lymberopulos, and the General Director of Merchant Marine of Panama Maritime Authority Eng. Rafael N. Cigarruista G. in an open e-dialogue with the young generation in shipping.

Participation is free of charge. Registrations will be open until September 22 at 22:00. The dialogue will be held online via Zoom. The number of participants is limited, so early registration is important. After the registration's closing date you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions for your smooth participation.

Discussion Moderator:
Mrs. Danae Bezantakou, Concept Founder YES FORUM & CEO of NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS LTD.


To register, click here. 

 
Monday, 21 September 2020 12:16

Rare Olympic Medal From 1896 Sold At Auction

A medal awarded at the first modern Olympic Games, held in Athens in 1896, recently sold at auction for $65,625.
 
The bronze medal was awarded to Georgios Tsitas, a Greco-Roman wrestling athlete who won second place at the Athens Olympic games in 1896. At the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens, first-place winners received a silver medal, a certificate, and an olive branch, while runner ups won a bronze medal, a certificate, and a laurel branch.
 
The medals were designed by Jules-Clement Chaplain, a renowned French Art Nouveau sculptor, and feature a relief of Zeus holding Nike, the goddess of victory. On the other side, there is an elaborate representation of the Parthenon and the words “International Olympic Games in Athens, 1896,” in Greek.
 
The Boston-based auction house that made the sale noted that athletes’ medals from the 1896 Olympic Games are extremely rare to come across, and this is the first one they have ever sold.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Saturday, 19 September 2020 00:47

New Dates For Glyfada Maritime Golf Event

With a high sense of responsibility for the safety of participants and attendees and due to the severe and extreme weather conditions that have been announced, the organizing committee of the Glyfada Maritime Golf Event has decided to postpone the shipping community tournament for Saturday, October 10, 2020.

From the tee and the par of the course to the birdie, the eagle and, why not, the hole-in-one…

Greek shipping executives will learn everything and apply them during the new Glyfada Maritime Golf Event that will be held at the beautiful Glyfada Golf course.

Tournament based on a detailed health protocol

The event will be held in accordance with the strict specifications set by the Greek General Secretariat of Sports and the Hellenic Golf Federation. Always having the safety and health of all participants and staff as a top priority, Glyfada Maritime Golf Event will be implemented based on the health protocol established by the experienced and certified by the World Health Organization Active Media Group staff, based on the guidelines of special scientists-collaborators of the General Secretariat of Sports as well as the epidemiological data and the suggestions of the General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee. This is the first golf tournament in Greece that will be held based on a strict health protocol approved by the General Secretariat of Sports, with a maximum total number of 100 attendees.

The schedule

The first golf tournament is expected to attract the interest of the Greek and international shipping industry as its senior executives will form teams of four.

Participants will have the opportunity to receive their participation kit from the registration area at the Clubhouse of Glyfada Golf course, which will be open from 08:00 am to 09:00 am on Saturday morning.

The golf action will start at 10:00 am in the morning with the shotgun scramble tournament. Golfers will compete at a team level, at the 18-hole golf course, par 72, of Glyfada.

Non-participants in the tournament will have the opportunity to attend golf lessons and take part in the golf clinic which will take place from 11:30 am to 13:00 pm.

The tournament will end with the awards ceremony at 16:30 pm, for the top three teams in the tournament’s overall standings, and the special awards that will be given to players who will achieve the best scores in the special categories of “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin”.


To view the event's full schedule, please click here.


Lots of gifts will be given from sponsors and many surprises will be expected for participants. Specifically, after a draw, a lucky winner will have the opportunity to experience the Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Sport Turismo for a test-drive that will last an entire weekend. During the event, participants will be able to take a short test-drive in the full range of Porsche cars, including the new, all-electric Taycan.

Completion of Registrations

Registrations are now closed. All proceeds from entry fees will be allocated for the improvement of the facilities of Glyfada Golf course.

In the context of the 1 st Glyfada Maritime Golf Event, the recognized PGA Golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias stated: “With our experienced staff, we organize another golf tournament in a golf course of high international standards, for the people of the shipping industry, always having the safety of participants as our main priority. With our initiative, we promote the region’s golf tourism, we help to spread the sport of golf in Greece, and we contribute to the upgrade and improvement of this historic golf course’s facilities”.

The tournament is organized by Birdie Events, an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The event is exclusively addressed to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.

Jotun Hellas is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Samsung is the Official Technology Partner.
The Marshall Islands Registry IRI is the tournament’s Silver Sponsor.
Porsche Center Glyfada is the Official Car Partner.
Marine Tours is the Official Travel Partner.
Tototheo Maritime, Ergon, Kokotos Estate, Athi Rodi, Boo Productions and Handy Chart are the event’s Supporters.
Avance is the Official Rental Partner.
Target Security is the Security Partner.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.
Hygeia is the Medical Partner.
Costa Navarino, Athina Luxury Suites, Christhellas–Christofle, Domotel Kastri, Kayak, Stella Artois, Cortese Caffe, Zafeiris Liquor Store and Automotive Solutions are the event’s Partners.
Active Media Group is responsible for the tournament’s Sports Production.

Hashtag:
#glyfadamaritimegolfevent

Photo Credit: Charis Akriviadis
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