The measures for COVID-19 continue to ease. Following high schools, kindergartens and primary schools have also opened. There goes another fortress. I know parents who breathed a sigh of relief when they heard the news. "At last young children will get back into their daily routine and we will be able to get to our jobs and have some time for ourselves. " I also know others who were questioning whether to send their children to school for what will actually be two weeks of classes. In all honesty, it’s not about children learning new things it’s about taking away from them the pressure that this whole situation with COVID-19 has created.

And then there are families with members in the high risk group of people. What should they do? Should they risk it? The children will of course be happy to see their classmates and their teachers again. They will be happy to hug each other. Oops, here it is again. Hugs. This is forbidden though. We have all discussed this with our children. Yes, but how do you keep children away from each other, especially young ones? Hugs and kisses are their world. Lots of dilemmas. Many questions. We are called to decide upon very important issues every day. It's not easy. We need to weigh the pros and cons, but again, it's not easy. The measures may be more relaxed but the pressure is camouflaged and continues in a different form.

As most of us are slowly coming out of the quarantine, we are a bit numb. After all, what is the right thing to do? What is the safe thing to do? We know there is not 100% safety or protection guarantee. They simply don’t exist. And that's what worries many of us. We each face different challenges. Your priorities are different from mine. That’s exactly what we need to take into consideration and base our forward moving on.

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!

The award-winning sports tourism event returns for the 8th consecutive year on October 16-18, 2020 in Messinia, Pylos and Costa Navarino. Through its global message “sports unite people”, the event will offer the opportunity of discovering the magic of the Messinian landscape and the history highlighted by the top sports celebration, to people of all ages from Greece and abroad.

Participants will have a chance of running one of the top 21.1km Greek Half Marathons, along with Greek-American ultramarathon Dean Karnazes. In addition, they can choose between the 10km route or the joyful 5km route which is also suited for dynamic walking. Athletes starting from the Navarino Dunes of Costa Navarino, will run along the picturesque coast towards Pylos and cross the magnificent Voidokilia beach while passing by the Gialova lagoon. This is one of the most significant wetlands in Europe. It is the southernmost station of migratory birds in the Balkans to and from Africa that has been designated as a Natura 2000 nature protected area. The Half Marathon is the only trail running route in Greece that combines soil, sand, and asphalt. The event offers race timing for all runners. All races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

On the same day, the 1km children’s race will be held in two groups, for children 10-14 years old and kids up to 9 years of age.

The impressive 5km route that emerges by the sea, as well as all other routes, have been planned by the former marathon runner, current classic marathon course national record holder, running coach, and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias.

Navarino Challenge has remained at the forefront of the 2020 Tourism Awards, claiming the highest distinction in Greek tourism by winning the Platinum Award in the Sustainability category. The significant accolades received by the event, also include the Gold Award, once more, in the Sports Tourism category and the Silver Award in the Integrated Marketing Campaign category. The Platinum award is the first one to be received by a sports tourism event in Greece.

Distinctions do not stop for one of the top sports tourism events in Europe since it was also the first sports tourism event in Greece to win an award in the “Best In Wellness” category at the International Travel &Tourism Awards by WTM London last year.

In the context of this year’s recognition, Active Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akis Tsolis stated: “Our most recent distinction highlights the innovative sustainability initiatives that we have implemented in a sports tourism event, for the first time in Greece. Our excellent collaboration with Costa Navarino, all cooperating bodies, the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, businessmen from Pylos and Messinia as well as our sponsors, indicates more than ever, the importance and value of solid strategic relations. Despite the unprecedented conditions we are experiencing, sports tourism is not only an integral part of the Greek tourism product, that we all need to protect, but something even more valuable for the future. There is considerable room for growth in outdoor sporting activities, which promote economic and social development for local communities, while highlighting the unique cultural elements of each place”.

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Early bird 40% discount!
Register today!

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Runners can act promptly and take advantage of the early bird offer on registrations until July 31. Athletes can register in the Half Marathon with a 40% discount and find out about valid early bird offers in all other routes. Children’s race is held at no cost. The event, always prioritizing the participants themselves, offers a refund of their registration costs until August 31.

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

The event continues to innovate for another year by having Samsung Electronics Hellas as its Official Technology Partner. Following last year’s successful contribution towards the organization of a paperless event, Samsung returns with the top Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, which change the way videos and photos are captured through their 8K Video and the most advanced 100X Zoom, offering brand new features and impressive shots. At the same time, the Galaxy Z Flip, the first full screen folding smartphone, with flexible glass and excellent design, offers convenience and unique style.

Samsung and Navarino Challenge will offer all participants the opportunity to purchase the Galaxy S20, S20+, and Galaxy Z Flip, with a 20% discount.

Navarino Challenge is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and Active Media Group with the support of Pylos-Nestor Municipality.

As every year, the event will be held, in accordance with the strict standards set by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports and the relevant sports Federations.

Always having the safety and health of all participants and staff as its main priority, Navarino Challenge will be planned and delivered based on the protocol of races, which will ensure public health and safety of all parties involved. Moreover, the event is already strengthened with top consultants specialized in this area.

Official technology partner: Samsung

Official sports supplier: Luanvi

Official supporters: Poseidonia, Pylos-Nestor Municipality

Partners: Fysiotek Sports Lab, Karalis Beach Hotel

Official rental partner: Avance 3

Athletic partners: Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club

CSR Partner: Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation

Assisted by: VitaNTravel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Target Security

Sports Production: Active Media Group

 

YouTube Channel

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

Photo Credit: Babis Giritziotis

Costa Navarino is the prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese. One of the most unspoiled and breathtaking seaside Mediterranean landscapes, this area has been shaped by 4,500 years of history.

Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote Messinia, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage. It will comprise a number of distinct sites featuring five-star deluxe hotels, luxury private residences, conference facilities, spa and thalassotherapy centres, signature golf courses, as well as a wide range of unique year-round activities for adults and children.

Navarino Dunes, the first area, is home to two luxury five-star hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino; Navarino Residences, a collection of luxury villas for private ownership; and The Residences at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino – fully furnished resort apartments for sale; the signature golf course The Dunes Course; Anazoe Spa, a 4,000m 2 spa and thalassotherapy centre; the state-of-the-art conference centre House of Events; specially designed facilities for children; and a variety of gastronomy venues, sports, outdoor and cultural activities.

Navarino Bay, the second area, is home to the signature golf course, The Bay Course and to the earth- sheltered Bay Clubhouse, while an ultra-luxury, all-suite and pool villas resort is currently under construction, alongside an upscale, vibrant, lifestyle resort at the nearby site Navarino Waterfront. At Navarino Hills, two new 18-hole signature golf courses are also being constructed.

The event, which praises the volcanic island of Cyclades, for its sports, culture, unique architecture, and history, will be held for the 6th consecutive year on October 2-4, 2020. Santorini Experience will attract professional and amateur athletes for another year and promote sports and Santorini as a destination, with respect to the environment and the island’s traditional architecture. This year’s races will adopt an eco-friendly approach, with a strategy that involves plastic-free and environmentally friendly initiatives.

On Saturday, October 3, 2020, participants will have the opportunity to run on the Caldera, overlooking the enchanting images of the volcano and the background scenery of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia. Specifically, the 10 km route is addressed to runners with experience in distances, while the 15 km route “Aristides Alafouzos” is ideal for those who love strength, endurance, and adrenaline. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, mainly including parts of soil, and finish in Oia. The breathtaking routes are designed by the former marathon runner, Greek classic route record holder, running trainer, and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias.

On Sunday, October 4, 2020, participants will have the opportunity to swim from the volcano to the old port of Fira, while having the imposing view of the island in front of them, in the 1.5 miles open water swimming race (2.4 km). The event will look after all athletes by adding the high-quality safety lifeguard buoy, giving them an extra motive to choose Santorini Experience. The swimming route will be held, as every year, with absolute safety in the captivating waters of Santorini, where the average water temperature in October, reaches 20-22 degrees Celsius. Lifeguard Patrol’s specialized lifeguards and lifeboats will contribute to the safety of the race for another year. Different categories will be formed depending on the final number of entries, while a separate category for those wearing wetsuits will be added. The race will be held under the technical direction of Greek national swimming coach with Olympic and World Championship distinctions, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, according to FINA regulations.

The event that has already been distinguished in the past in Greece and abroad, with an international award at the Travel & Hospitality Awards, the Ermis Awards, and the Sports Marketing Awards, conquered for the first time a top position at the 2020 Tourism Awards. Specifically, the successful sports tourism event won the Gold Award in the category of Sea Tourism for implementing its innovative initiatives.

In the context of this year’s award, Santorini Mayor, Mr. Antonios Sigalas stated, among other things: “The award given to the event of Santorini Experience by the acclaimed Tourism Awards institution, is an exceptional honorary distinction for Santorini. Our Municipality implements a Complete Plan for the Management of Santorini’s Destination, having adopted the strategy of sustainable development with an emphasis on the protection of the natural and man-made environment, the emergence of our cultural wealth, innovation, and quality of infrastructure. Our recognition by a tourism excellence institution, such as the Tourism Awards, strengthens the brand of Santorini, reinforces the island’s position among the world’s top destinations, and motivates us to continue our actions in the field of quality tourism”.

Respectively, the President of the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS), Mr. Vassilios Alafouzos stressed: “This award belongs to all citizens of Santorini that have embraced the event. On our behalf, we will support any effort that fosters sports and promotes Greek tourism”. 

Register for the 15km “Aristides Alafouzos” and 10km running routes, as well as the 1.5 miles swimming route, and take advantage of the early bird prices with a 25% discount. The offer is valid until 31/7. The event, always prioritizing the participants themselves, offers a refund of their registration costs until August 31. 

Driven by this unprecedented situation, the top sports tourism event Santorini Experience is expected to support, this year more than ever, Santorini’s sports tourism during the month of October through a number of actions.

As every year, the event will be held, in accordance with the strict standards set by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports and all relevant sports Federations. Santorini Experience will be planned and delivered based on the protocol of races, which will ensure public health and safety of all parties involved.

Besides, the safety and health of all participants remain its main priority.

For another year, Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier. 
Boatmen Union Santorini is the event’s official supporter. 
Avance is the official rental partner. 
Santorini Experience is assisted by Lifeguard Patrol. 

Up to this point, this year’s event is supported with special offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Andronis Arcadia, K&K Unique Holiday Homes, Sienna Resort, Marvarit Suites, Santo Houses, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, La Mer Suites & Spa, Antinea Suites & Spa, Beach Boutique Hotel, Bloom Travel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Studios & Suites, Esperas Santorini and Mesana Stone House, while collaborations continue.

Tangopapas.com is the event’s travel partner.

Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS), and Active Media Group.

More info at: www.santorini-experience.com

Facebook Page

Instagram Page

Twitter Account

YouTube Channel

Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

Photo Credit: Babis Giritziotis

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XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of Santorini Experience

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One by one, municipalities in Greece are announcing the reopening of playgrounds, as the Hellenic Interior Ministry has granted them to reopen.

 

Playgrounds were closed for the public at the beginning of lockdown restriction measures. The circular issued by the Interior Ministry states that for the reopening of playgrounds, all playgrounds should "meet all safety requirements," "in full accordance with the existing health conditions per region and the observance of the outlined and enforced protection measures."

 

According to a statement, the Culture, Sports & Youth Organization of the City of Athens (OPANDA) will proceed with the reopening of all playgrounds in Athens. "OPANDA has taken all necessary measures to meet hygiene requirements and follow the operating rules of the premises, following the Joint Ministerial Decision and the instructions of the Health Scientific Committee," it is emphasized in the announcement. Playgrounds will be open from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 22:00.

 

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Athens continues to plan the reconstruction of 19 playgrounds, which will be delivered by the end of July–remodeled according to the latest safety standards, suitable and accessible to children with mobility difficulties.

Originally posted in Greek on ethnos.gr 

Translated by Codico Lab

The SNF Run returns, this year in virtual form!

This summer, get ready for a powerful comeback from the SNF Run. Adapting to virtually unprecedented times, the popular race is going virtual for the first time, inviting us to run wherever we are to support our local hospitals. We’ll keep our distance, but cover greater ones all over Greece, always together and always for a good cause!

To experience the Virtual SNF Run, pick a day between Monday, June 15, and Sunday, June 21 to run your own 5-km route, then upload your results. You decide where to run: in a park, on city streets, on your favorite beach, on the treadmill, in your garden, or on the stairs at home.

Like every year, this year’s race has a charitable mission. When registering, those who wish can choose to support their local hospital. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) will add double the amount contributed by runners, tripling the overall size of the donation.

Whether you run by yourself, with your family, or with your friends, take a selfie on your run and share it with the hashtag #SNFRun. 

On the evening of International Olympic Day, June 23, at 21:00 (GMT+3), the announcement of the Virtual SNF Run results will be streamed as part of the Summer Nostos Festival RetroFuture Edition in an event featuring your best snapshots from the race. The event will be presented by iMEdD Managing Director, SNF DIALOGUES Executive Director, and journalist Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou.

More information on how to register will be announced soon at SNFestival.org.

Stay tuned, stay connected.

Hundreds of Greeks danced and sang from inside their cars at a drive-in concert, the first concert since the ban of mass gatherings in Greece. The show took place in a football court at the seaside suburb of Glyfada on Tuesday night.

 

Cars were parked on designated spots to safeguard the health of the concertgoers who came to enjoy a free performance by famous Greek singer Natasa Theodoridou. The 300 car spaces were raffled in a lottery of more than 7,000 applications.

I have never done something like this before, it's a nice experience, a new experience,' affirmed a spectator.

'This is an example to all of us that nothing stops, we can do everything if we have patience and positive thoughts,' said the performer on stage.

Live concerts in Greece are expected to resume on July 15.

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

FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to present “Interstitial Places”, a two-person exhibition by Jane Grover and Dimitra Maltabe. In order to allow for social distancing, the opening will take place over two evenings, the 11th and 12th of June, with the rooftop terrace open for added space. The two artists create photographic fictions, starting with the randomness of the world and imposing order, to paraphrase the photographer Stephan Shore. Jane Grover's photographs of walls and surfaces were taken on trips from as far afield as Mexico and as nearby as Anavyssos. She seeks accidental and serendipitous compositions that have been fashioned by entropic forces on manmade surfaces. Dimitra Maltabe juxtaposes and collages urban residential windows to evoke thoughts about architectural features that function both as openings and as boundaries or borders while hiding different worlds within.

Born in England, Jane Grover studied History of Art at Leeds University before moving to the United States in 1980. She worked in theater and set design all over the U.S. and was a member of the union United Scenic Artists Local 829 in New York City. In 2002 she moved to Taos, New Mexico, to concentrate on painting, where she was represented by a Sage Fine Art as well as two galleries in Colorado. She is happy to have made Greece her home for the past seven years.

Dimitra Maltabe is an Athens-based visual artist. She holds a degree in Painting and Stage Design from the Athens School of Fine Arts and a Master’s in Fine Arts from Kent Institute of Art and Design, University of Kent, Canterbury, U.K. Her work focuses on human and environmental interaction. She has shown her work in many solo and group shows in Greece and abroad, including the 6th Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art, “Imagined Homes”, as well as a 2018 residency at Kinono Tinos Art Gathering, and at artAmari Residency, Crete in 2016.

About FokiaNou Art Space

FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The space encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops, and projects under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris.

Young Executives Shipping (YES) FORUM (Greece) in partnership with YoungShip Cyprus, YoungShip Turkey, YoungShip Panama, YoungShip Venezuela, YoungShip Singapore, YoungShip Texas, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Hong Kong, Young Shipping Professionals New York, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Shanghai & Beijing, Maritime SheEO India, Shipping Professionals Network London, It's All About Shipping UK will organize an online event on Friday 5th June 2020 16:00- 18:00 (Greek time).

Representatives of the above organizations will answer the audience's questions about the below topics:

- Presentation and best practices of each organization.
- Onboard and Ashore Career: Opportunities and Challenges in each country
- Tips to follow in your career path (soft skills, social media, CV tips, networking, etc)

Moderator of the discussion will be: Danae Bezantakou, Concept Founder – YES FORUM & CEO – NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS

The e-dialogue will be live via FACEBOOK in this event page so that everyone can have access from different countries and ask questions live.

The discussion will take place in English.

The participation is free of charge. 

To register please click here. 

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XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor Of YES FORUM

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Greece is aiming to end the use of single-use plastics by July 2021, according to Kostis Hatzidakis, the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, straws, coffee cups and stirrers, soda and water bottles, and most food packaging.

 

The Ministry has announced its partnership with the AC Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, entitled, "Greece, Free of Single-Use Plastics."

 

Angeliki Kosmopoulou of the AC Laskaridis Charitable Foundation noted that "Greece is taking a great leap forward" to ban single-use plastics and called for new regulating laws as well as a public awareness campaign.

 

"Every day, we use a million plastic coffee cups in Greece," Hatzidakis said. "This cannot continue, so we are moving ahead with this initiative, which the prime minister himself has strongly supported, and which must be done in tandem with citizens," the minister added during the event.


To read this article in full, plese visit: greekreporter.com

Although the measures for COVID-19 have eased, we are still very cautious. We avoid social contact and do not visit friends yet. That's because we adults can keep the necessary, safe distance, but children cannot. Last week we planned a "date" with one of my daughter's friends and her mom in the park. We would all walk together, two moms and two kids, keeping a safe distance between us.

 

We discussed with the children in advance and set the rules upfront about what is and what's not allowed. Of course, we had to remind them several times: "Don't get too close, come closer to me, don't touch this." It was going well until the children decided they wanted to hug, but that was out of the question. My daughter started to cry long and loud! That's certainly not what I would call a relaxing walk.

 

The same thing happened when she met her grandmother; she wanted to run into her arms. And I, the "bad" mom apparently, did not let her. My daughter could not understand why since we've been in the house for so long without meeting anyone and since the measures have started being less strict. "I'm heartbroken that I can't hug my grandmother," she told me and burst into tears. In our family, we have people belonging to the high-risk group, so we are more than careful.

 

Several worrying thoughts came to my mind: "Have we perhaps become hypochondriacs?" "Is it possible we are more afraid than we allow ourselves to feel?" "And how much has all this fear affected us?" I took my daughter in my arms and let her cry as much as she wanted. I wasn't talking to her; I was simply holding her in my arms. When she stopped, she wiped her tears and said: "I know, mom, that this coronavirus won't let us do what we want. Fortunately, I can at least see my grandmother even if it's from a distance."