The unique sports management conference in Greece is approaching. Leading industry professionals from both Greece and abroad “meet” at “Front Runners in Sports Management 3.0”, a web conference organized by the award-winning ActiveMedia Group along with the Sports Management Society of Deree – The American College of Greece, on Thursday, January 21, Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Representatives from all over the world in rich thematic sections:
Within three days, participants will have the opportunity to attend for free the speeches of distinguished representatives from the fields of football, basketball, athletics, motorsports, sports tourism, education, digital & social media, technology and corporate social responsibility, and develop their professional network in the field of sports management.

New additions to the roster of speakers:
During the Front Runners in Sports Management 3.0 conference the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Sani / Ikos Group, Mr. Antonis Avdelas, will present, for the first time in Greece, the unique tennis academy Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, developed by the Grand Slam-winning tennis legend, hosted at Sani Resort. Sani Resort, which was awarded by the World Travel Awards as “The World's Leading Family & Beach Resort” in 2019 and 2020, is an ecological sanctuary of 4,500 acres in Kassandra, Halkidiki, with 5 hotels and a luxurious private marina. Moreover, the conference will include the following speakers: the CSR & Events Manager of the leading GameTech company in Greece and one of the fastest growing GameTech companies in Europe Kaizen Gaming, Ms. Ioanna Kozadinou, the General Manager of the Athens Marathon The Authentic, Dr. Makis Asimakopoulos, who will talk about the No.1 sports tourism event in Greece and the new era after the 2020 postponement, one of the top commercial directors in the Greek Super League, Mr. Leonidas Papavasilakis of OFI FC, the Real Madrid and EuroLeague legend and the F45 Madrid co-founder, Joe Arlauckas, the world champion in the 400m. with hurdles, with 4 participations in Olympic Games & Chair of the European Athletics Athletes Commission, Periklis Iakovakis, the long-term member of the U.S.A. Olympic Committee, Karen Irish, along with the former basketball player, sports journalist and dynamic reporter for EuroLeague, Theodora Panteli, the Head of Digital & 360 Advertising Director of one of the best digital agencies in Greece for social media, The Newtons Laboratory, Mr. Panos Alefragis and Mr. Themistocles Karvountzis, Chief Strategy Officer of ActiveMedia Group, with the back to back title as Sports Marketing Agency of the Year in Greece, who will make an introduction to Sports Tourism and its niche markets.

Experienced executives of the global market offer their knowledge:
Prominent speakers at the conference also include representatives from the NBA and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the FIBA Basketball Champions League, Georgetown University, the innovative technology company Wait Time, Nielsen Sports and Formula 1.

The conference will also host welcome speeches from the Minister of Greek Tourism, Mr. Harry Theoharis, the Deputy Minister of Culture & Sports, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, the USA Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Geoffrey R. Pyatt, the President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Ms. Angela Gerekou, the President of the International Olympic Academy, Mr. Isidoros Kouvelos as well as the Assistant Professor & Coordinator of the Sports Management Program at Deree – The American College of Greece, Dr. Stella Leivadi.

In the context of the web conference’s organization, ActiveMedia Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akis Tsolis stated: “Front Runners in Sports Management 2021 edition is switching to digital. In this fragile time, the 3rd edition of the conference in January 2021 is going to be a fully online experience, changing to a three-day conference format with an even bolder programme and speakers from all over the world. The Greek philosopher Socrates said Education, just like fertile land, brings all good things. In the exact same way, we want ActiveMedia Group to start in 2021, by offering education opportunities”.

 

As we approach our first anniversary of living with Covid-19, the word is out that Athens - with its winter sun and sea, warm nature, affordability and strategic location - makes an unbeatable base to weather the pandemic.

Some call them digital nomads. To others, they are corona refugees or lockdown migrants. In this new era where remote-working is king, Athens has become one of the hottest tickets in Europe to ride out the epidemic and hit reset on your life.

Since we first reported on this emerging trend last summer, Greece’s comparatively manageable infection rates and decisive health protocols have kept this new breed of long-haul visitor coming. And with alluring new tax incentives for any foreigner willing to move their tax base to Greece for 7 years, we predict it’s just the beginning. As 2021 gets off the blocks, it seems that everyone knows someone who’s recently relocated to Athens in search of a more fulfilling existence and a fresh start.

We asked some second wave “corona nomads” to tell us in their own words how Athens has given them the personal and professional lift they were craving and why life is so much sweeter in the Greek capital. Even in lockdown.

The Acropolis Addict
Mégane Bambagha, 29, French: Freelance Digital Marketing Consultant

I chose Athens because I am a city girl who likes to be at the centre of the action and I have a weird obsession with the Acropolis! Its history and energy are so beautiful to me. Years ago, I had a Greek boyfriend who introduced me to the neighbourhood of Koukaki. I fell in love with not just the Acropolis but the whole area and its vibe.

I moved here at the end of August from Montpelier because I know Athens has wonderful weather all year long. Even when it’s winter, it’s not really winter. Back in Montpelier, where my family and friends are, I lived just five minutes from the sea. Things were more relaxed there, and if I’m honest, they were also a bit boring.

My life in France was a lot more predictable. You wake up, you work and maybe once a week, you have dinner with friends. Here, there is so much more to see and do; places to go out. Things like parenthood don’t slow Athenians down; they keep on living.

The fact is you have everything in Athens: amazing people, a vibrant city and nightlife, the monuments and the beach. Everybody speaks English (thank God, because my Greek isn't up to scratch yet). Greek men are real gentlemen and handsome too!

The daily rhythm of working in Athens was intense at first but I've come to love it. You never know how your day is going to end here! My working schedule has definitely changed. I used to get up at 5am. Now my day rarely starts before 10 and I go to bed much later. I don’t have breakfast anymore; I have coffee. I’ve forgotten the idea of making plans. In Athens, you better be ready to have an open house at the last minute; or meet friends for dinner instead of lunch. Greek people are very creative too when it comes to entertaining themselves: you don’t need a lot of money to do that here. Athens is definitely teaching me to balance my personal and work existence better, and to stop more often to enjoy life.

My main clients are small businesses in France but I have Greek clients too now. That was another reason I picked Athens. A lot of smaller Greek companies haven’t yet jumped on the train of digital marketing which is what I do. Greece is so beautiful but not always advertised as well as it could be. I see Athens as full of possibilities and huge potential. People here are eager to try new things and experiment: an attitude we completely lack back in France.

At the moment, I’m subletting the apartment of a friend in Koukaki (Makrygianni), one street down from the Acropolis Museum. I have a little balcony and if I put myself in just the right position, I can see the Parthenon. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me climbing up on one of the big rocks on Philopappou Hill; admiring the Acropolis and taking a moment to reflect on life.

I’ve made some great new friends; a mix of locals and expatriates. When lockdown lifts, I can’t wait to go clubbing again. I love the beach clubs like Bolivar in Alimos. Last time I went, I took my laptop and spent the whole day lounging by the sea with friends, doing some work—and then clubbing into the night.

I try to live like an Athenian. The mindset and lifestyle is different from the French. There’s more of a community feel here. You build a little daily routine of visiting your local deli and bakery, the markets. Everything just flows. Even in lockdown, the life in Athens is so amazing that I don’t feel locked in. I feel reborn.

A Family Affair
Keita Yamada, 33, Japanese: Customer Support at global remote work facilitator Doist

One day last year, while I was working in Costa Rica, an overseas colleague and I started talking about which one place we could both move to where we could work together and enjoy a better lifestyle during the pandemic. She’s Italian but her boyfriend is Greek. They chose Athens and relocated in July. My ex-wife and daughter are also Greek, so we agreed that with Covid, it would be better for us all to be in Athens too, near her parents, to have the extra family support. We bought a one-way ticket and moved in September. I’m renting an air bnb in Piraeus within walking distance of Marina Zea, with a typically Athenian view of rooftops—and a bit of the sea too. I have no plans to leave Athens anytime soon. Working for a company that promotes more fulfilling ways to work and live, I’m very grateful for my job, because it really doesn’t matter where I am—or which hours I work.

In Costa Rica, we lived with similar restrictions to Greece, but when we first arrived in Athens, things felt freer and more normal. Our daughter was able to go to daycare again and I went to work each day at Impact Hub (a popular co-working space in Psirri). Compared to Costa Rica, Athens has a good bus and train system. That has really helped me to move around and see the city, and travel to work.

Before the lockdown, one of the things I enjoyed most about my new Athens life was walking around the different neighbourhoods after work and trying out restaurants and bars that I liked the look of. I must have been to the Strange Brew Taproom in Koukaki about 4 times, sampling all their local craft beers! Now, during lockdown, I am working from home, but I can still enjoy a walk around the sea and visit open places like Marina Zea and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre parklands.

Going to my local laiki down the street to get fresh fish, fruit and vegetables—and pick up a few new Greek words with locals while I’m there—has become my new routine; and I can still get easy access to take-away souvlaki! I also enjoy watching my daughter engage with her Greek identity and the language, and spend quality time with her grandparents.

When lockdown is over, I want to get back to walking around the city; checking out all the great street art, and exploring the ruins. I’m originally from Miyazaki, in south Japan, and also lived in Tokyo for 3 years where it’s far more crowded and busy than Athens. Tourism is much more advanced here than Tokyo. Everything is available in English: signs, menus in restaurants. That’s an important advantage for the Japanese.

Because so many people speak English, compared to other European cities, getting around Athens and getting to know the city is easy. I have found the locals friendly and happy to help, once you ask questions. Any place you go in Athens they take pride in what they do, and explain things in detail. When I went to get my haircut recently, for example, the barber really threw himself into it. I can see that passion in every aspect of Athenian life.

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To read more, please visit This is Athens

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.

 

The huge success of the kids’ contest continues and takes a new form!

Through our new digital platform, we discover ways to create, find information and gain knowledge that introduces us to the universe of History and Art.

On the occasion of the exhibition “Antiquarianism and Philhellenism. The Thanassis and Marina Martinos Collection” at the Museum of Cycladic Art, we invite children, ages 4 to 15, to bring their own “Everyday Heroes” to life!

Through paintings, sculptures and other artworks, we search for information and learn about the Heroes of that period, and connect them to their contemporary counterparts.

Who are your own Everyday Heroes, and what makes them stand out? We see them all around us, we imagine and draw them, making them even more unique!

 

Register HERE!

- Can history be an active participant in entrepreneurship?
- Which digital applications can highlight the cultural heritage of a place?
- How does history affect international politics and relations between states and communities?
- Does the digital world contribute to the shaping of public history?
- What is environmental history and how it can propel sustainable growth?

Applied public history comes together with the fields of business, culture, international relations, technology and environment in a new online workshop open to all, regardless of academic studies or career. History+ Lab highlights the modern face of History, its primary sources and its potential uses through hourly webinars by renowned professionals, online discourse platforms with distinguished speakers and 2-hour workshops. It consists of five-course units that are divided in two cycles. History+ Lab is organized by the Hellenic American Union and held under the scientific supervision of the Hellenic American College/Hellenic American University and the University of Peloponnese Center for Greek and International History (KEDIS). It is coordinated by Maria Sampatakaki and scientifically supervised by Konstantina Botsiou.

The program is addressed to anyone with a general interest in history, and particularly to students and graduates in the humanities, social sciences, and economics. It would also be of interest to professionals in tourism, cultural programming, and marketing and to teachers who wish to expand their knowledge and use of historical science in their fields.

 

The dawn of 2021, after a particularly challenging 2020, finds the world of sports hit hard by the pandemic and all the implications covid-19 brought in the industry of sports. The beginning of a new year, filled with hope and promise, is the ideal time for the organization of a unique Sports Industry Conference, the first of its kind in Greece, featuring some of the most prominent industry professionals from around the globe, which aims to educate and address significant topics of sports.

“Front Runners in Sports Management 3.0”, the online sports conference organized by the award-winning Active Media Group along with the Sports Management Society of Deree – The American College of Greece, on Thursday, January 21 and Saturday, January 23, 2021, comes to shed light on the uncertain future of sports management in Greece. Sports continue to have a growing impact on the global economy through investments, public infrastructure, resource mobilization and creation of new professions and job positions, despite the devastating implications Covid-19 brought to world economies.

Throughout both days of the conference, participants will have the opportunity to follow the speeches of remarkable representatives of sports and develop their professional network in the field of sports management.

Among the keynote speakers are representatives from the NBA, the top basketball league in the world. Specifically, Nic Barlage, President of Business Operations of the Cleveland Cavaliers the youngest team president in the NBA and a representative from the Milwaukee Bucks’ marketing department. Additionally, “Front Runners in Sports Management 3.0” will feature the following keynote speakers: Bobby Goldwater, one of the most respected and innovative executives in the sports, entertainment and venue management industry from Georgetown University, Zack Klima Founder & CEO of Wait Time, an innovative technology company having Jeffrey Jordan, the son of Michael Jordan as a co-founder, Nigel Geach, Senior Vice President of Global Motorsport of Nielsen Sports, having worked in sports sponsorships for more than three decades, mainly with clients in the motorsport behemoth Formula 1, the Greek CEO of the Basketball Champions League, Patrick Comninos who managed to develop Basketball Champions League into one of the fastest growing sport properties in Europe and Rick Pitino, Basketball Hall of Fame as coach & basketball coach of the Greek National Team.

The “Front Runners in Sports Management 3.0” webinar will attract the interest of the following sectors: AI, Education, Events, Basketball, Football, Motorsports, Social Media, Sport for Development, Sports Tourism, Sports Marketing & Management. More information on the schedule and the webinar’s speakers will be announced in the upcoming weeks. The conference is produced by the experienced team of Active Media Group, the best Sports Marketing company in Greece within the last years and the leading private educational institution in the country, Deree – The American College of Greece.

The holidays have passed while the coronavirus is well and alive. Do you expect something to change now that the New Year has begun? "Of course not! Things will just continue as always," said Anna, a client of mine with two young daughters. "Every year, I say to myself that something will change. Perhaps this year my husband will recognize how difficult it is to be a working mom. Perhaps my best friend will have fewer expectations of me. Perhaps my mother will not worry so much every time I forget to call her back. Something will finally change."

What do you think? Do people change because you want them to? Or because you keep on bugging them on the same subject all the time? "It's not like I sit still. I repeat the same things over and over again, but nothing happens. What else can I do?" wondered Anna.

However, it's not about how many times you repeat something. It's about changing the way you do it and trying different approaches. Otherwise, you will not get the results you want. Your behavior may influence the behavior of others but not towards your desired direction. The most you may succeed is to get angry, indifferent, or grumpy responses. You cannot change someone unless they want to. The only one who can change - if you desire to - is you!

So think about what changes you can make for yourself. To do so, you need to take some distance from yourself. If the issues that are bothering you, were bothering a friend of yours instead, how would you perceive them? By changing your perspective, you realize how much easier it is to offer advice to someone else than to yourself, no matter how difficult the situation. Yet, the advice we give to others is what we most need for ourselves. So, if you would like to welcome some changes in your life, do not expect others to make the first step - start with yourself.

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!

62% of UK adults have found relief from COVID-19 related stress by walking in nature. This information has been revealed by research carried out by the Mental Health Foundation.

Nearly half mentioned that spending time in green spaces helped them cope with the growing stress of the pandemic. Even if the distance traveled was not very long and the walk was only a short one, going outdoors had a positive impact on people's mental well-being.

Although science has not yet determined why nature is so healing, this research supports the findings of many previous studies that indicate a connection between access to green space and a reduced risk of mental health problems. In light of the study, the Mental Health Foundation partnered with WWF to publish a mental health book.

The 'Thriving With Nature' guide explores this relationship between the natural world and our mental well-being. The guide examines how nature can support positive mental well-being, but also how we can help nature in return.

"The benefits are often related to how our senses connect us to the environment," he says. From the natural forms and shapes that we see, the smells of the trees, and the charm that nature can stimulate by helping our mind to rest." Both organizations encourage people to find rest and relief in the green spaces that surround them.

For those of you who think 'I do not have time to get to the mountains or the great rugged landscape', a walk in a city park next to a canal can be just as refreshing, writes UK TV presenter Julia Bradbury in the guidebook's foreword. And if you work in an urban jungle, it is still worth going out into the light. A single tree can inspire as much joy as a "Great View". 'Thriving With Nature' offers seasonal suggestions for activities such as growing your own food and "green exercise" by cycling or walking in a green area.

Along with practical recommendations, the guide also offers techniques that help fight stress and encourage you to become aware of what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell.
 
Originally published in Greek on ecozen.gr
Translated by Codico Lab

A recent study attempting to date the Homeric Epics compared the natural phenomena described in the epics with astronomical phenomena and has verified the historical accuracy of the narrative.

"We believe that the myth revolves around real events," says Panagiota Preka-Papadima, a Professor of astrophysics at the University of Athens.

She and a team of scientists have published articles in various international scientific journals and concluded that some of the events described in the Epics are real, while the natural phenomena mentioned, correspond to the time of their narration.

"Odysseus arrived in Ithaca on October 25, 1207 B.C.," they wrote. "Five days later there was a 75% solar eclipse covering the Ionian Sea and then the murder of the suitors happened," they continue.

NASA maps describing natural phenomena from 4500 B.C. to 10,000 A.D. have verified the October 25, 1207 B.C. eclipse.

Furthermore, another eclipse, which took place on October 30, 1207, from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm, is believed to be reflected in the Odyssey. In Rhapsody Y, just before the murder, Homer describes Theoklymenos saying to the suitors:"... and the sun was gone from the sky, and a heavy darkness spread everywhere!".

"This is a description of the eclipse that covered 3/4 of the sun's disk," says Mrs. Papadima. "The date of the eclipse, October 30, 1207 B.C., is in complete agreement with the Homeric descriptions of the weather, autumnal country life, and the noontime of the murder of the suitors," continues Ms. Papadima.

Researchers have concluded that there is a historical core to the myth of Odysseus and this is a compelling revelation for science and Greek culture alike!

To read this article in full, please visit: greecehighdefinition.com

Sometimes the best-kept secrets are hidden in plain sight. Mount Ymittos forms the natural eastern boundary of Athens. Here, the dense city grid suddenly gives way to a tree-covered slope dotted with monasteries. This is the ‘Aesthetic Forest of Kesariani,’ a protected nature reserve that is a quick 15-20 minute drive or cab ride from central Athens. Just minutes from the urban hustle of Athens the walkable delights of Mount Ymittos offer a heady escape of nature, wildlife, historic monasteries and heavenly honey.

Upon arrival you’ll quickly notice that the lack of development is part of the charm of this route. Despite its proximity to the city, you feel off grid and in discovery mode. Keeping the city as a very visible landmark, it is difficult to get lost here—but easy to feel like it. This hike will have you exploring rich olives groves, a 12th century monastery, the ruins of an old Christian basilica, a Botanical Walk, and a whole lot more!

For complete details and route information visit: thisisathens.org

Photo by: Manos Chatzikonstantis

 

For 92-year-old Manolis and his fellow aqua-addicts of the Poseidon Winter Swimmers Club, the sea is life. Take the plunge, experience the endorphin rush, and get all the amazing health benefits of winter swimming in Athens.

 

Housed in an old German coastal fortification from 1942, the Poseidon Winter Swimmers Club has been open every day throughout the winter (except religious days) since 1982 and boasts a stable 160 members.** Their ages range from 20 to 92. But why do the members chose to put themselves through this pain? “The sea is life,” explains Manolis, when I return to the clubhouse. Manolis is the joint oldest regular at the club—alongside two other 92-year-olds. He comes at least twice a week throughout the winter—only staying out of the water when he’s ill or his wife tells him: ‘No’.

Manolis and the club’s president, Giorgos Argirakis, explain that winter swimming has all manner of benefits for physical and mental well-being. It’s great for a healthy heart, boosts circulation, keeps joints flexible and provides a much-needed winter dose of vitamin D. Manolis is a great advert for its supposed life-prolonging benefits, too. Looking at his lively face, bright eyes and lightly-olive skin, you wouldn’t guess he was much past 65.

 

Poseidon’s members are just a small cross-section section of the hundreds—perhaps thousands—who regularly take to the water throughout winter, all along the Athenian Riviera. While elsewhere in Europe, winter swimming means wetsuits or plunging into frozen lakes for just a few seconds at a time, the climate in Athens means temperatures permit (relatively) pleasurable swimming all year round.

To read this article in full and see what beaches are easily accessible along the riviera visit: thisisathens.org
Photo by: Georgios Makkas