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Sunday, 23 June 2019 20:14

Navarino Challenge 2019 Goes Green

In its 7th edition, “Navarino Challenge”, to be held from 11- 13 October 2019, in Messinia and at Costa Navarino, continues to innovate with a roster of environmentally friendly activities.

“Navarino Challenge” allows participants to be informed and involved in its activities to support the sacred goal of combating childhood obesity through exercise and awareness of the benefits of a Mediterranean diet.

With a view to adopting a more eco-friendly strategy, the organizers: a) have declared the start and end points of the Navarino Dunes runways as strictly smoke-free areas, b) have declared the beautiful Voidokilia beach, through which the runners cross, as strictly plastic-free, c) will offer participants an eco-friendly bag by Luanvi, event’s official sports supplier.

This year, the event will further promote charity by supporting: a) the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis with a program on Food Aid and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition, DIATROFI.
Additionally, Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation will support b) WWF Hellas and c) Karkinaki.
All participants can contribute any sum they wish through the GivenGain online platform. As part of this year’s “Navarino Challenge”, Barney Spender and Roddy Gibson’s award-winning documentary “The Road to Sparta” that recounts the effort of four runners, including that of Greek-American ultramarathon Dean Karnazes (who participated with the Navarino Challenge Support Team) to run the “Sparthathlon” race, will be screened at the Agora, Costa Navarino, on Friday, October 11.

Register for Navarino Challenge 2019 today


Running routes
Participants can choose between the top-of-the-range Ford Go Further Greek Half- Marathon (21.1km), 10km by PlantBox, and 5km (running & dynamic walking). Starting from the Navarino Dunes of Costa Navarino, professional and amateur athletes will run along the coast to Pylos, crossing the beautiful Voidokilia beach, following the Homeric trail that Telemachos traced for Odysseus in King Nestor’s land. It is the only trail run that combines soil, sand and asphalt.
On the same day, the children’s 1km course will take place. The 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. The event includes race timing for all runners.

The olive tree, a key symbol of Ancient Greece, the Olympic Games, of the Mediterranean diet, and of Messinia in particular, is given its due place of honour at Navarino Challenge. Peloponnese-based PlantBox, the award-winning team at the Athens Startup Awards, will offer an original olive tree package to each participant. Participants will also receive 2 high quality cosmetics by Messinian Spa, a range of cosmetics based on Kalamata olive oil and other natural Greek products.

Enjoy the uniqueness of the running routes in the following video!

Learn more details about the route of the Ford Go Further Greek Half-Marathon in the following video!

Accommodation Packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino Navarino Challenge participants who have booked their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, taking part in the main events (running, swimming) can also enjoy the full program that includes more than 20 sporting activities. The first 50 to book their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino stand a chance to win free participation at the Authentic Athens Marathon 5km race on Sunday, November 10, 2019.

More information on accommodation packages can be found here!



XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor Of Navarino Challenge!



Pre-sale is also available online via www.viva.gr or by phone at 11876 as well as at all Viva pre-sale points. For more information on accommodation packages in the region visit VitaNTravel: http://vitantravel.gr/
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 Poseidonia, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor and PlantBox. Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner for the first time.
Partners of the event are Pylos Poems, Fysiotek Sports Lab, Athens Easy Transfers. Avance Rent A Car is the official rental partner.
National Geographic is the strategic partner of the event and 24 Media its premium media partner. “Navarino Challenge” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 program of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation. 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. 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 Assisted by: Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Karalis Beach Hotel, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Target Security, METAXA, The Blue Beetle, Fever-Tree, NoS, Southern Comfort 3

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell
Photo credit: Elias Lefas 
A summer date with Katerine Duska and Minor Project at Technopolis

 Are you looking for a place to view the full moon from? Look no further! Full Moon Fiesta, the summer festival that has become something of an institution, is coming for the 4th consecutive year at Technopolis City of Athens. Prepare yourselves for a date under the full moonlight! Right before our summer vacation, on a working day, we set off on a fantastic journey and plunge into the most entertaining party of the city. On Wednesday, 17 July 2019, Katerine Duska, Minor Project, and Matina Sous Peau are coming with a batch of fresh sounds and dance songs to keep us cool in the heat of the summer and travel us to exotic destinations for a while...And guess what! We won’t be even needing a ticket!

Line up:
20:00 | Matina Sous Peau Dj set
21:15 | Minor Project
22:30 | Katerine Duska


A few months after her participation in the Eurovision song contest, Katerine Duska, who drew all eyes to her and won the hearts of us all, will appear on stage for the first time at this big summer festival, for a long-awaited live performance! The full moon sky and the girl with the “One in a million”voice, the ultimate soulful timbre, and the radio hit “Better Love” are expected to cause nothing less than a stir at Technopolis on the night of July 17. Set to take us on an ethereal musical journey to remember, the Greek-Canadian singer and songwriter, who has some enviable collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists under her belt, including LP, Tom Baxter, Yasmine Hamdan, Oddisee, and Kadebostany, will perform her own songs as well as popular and favourite cover versions. Technopolis’ illuminated chimneys and the perfectly round moon seem to be –and most definitely will be– the perfect setting!

Earlier the same night, the band Minor Project with its indie-oriented crossover repertoire consisting of songs with both English and Greek lyrics will add to the amazing musical combo of the Full Moon Fiesta. Minor Project’s songs give off a nostalgic cinematic vibe that brings summer images and carefree days to mind. All of us got the tune of the dreamy “In Colors” stuck in our heads at some point, thus explaining why it remained in the top 3 on the Shazam and itunesGR charts for so long! The band has teamed up with many distinguished artists and takes us on a trip out on the sea with songs such as “Ekdromi”, the result of a special collaboration with Dimitra Galani, and “From Folegandros to Kos”. Minor Project have become a firm favourite with radio listeners and audiences who have seen them perform live and they will be joining us this summer night at Technopolis to talk to us about our very favourite colors and unexpected journeys.

The fiesta will open with a super groovy dj set by Matina Sous Peau who returns to Technopolis after the unforgettable Let’s be late! dance event that took place in March at the Industrial Gas Museum. She promises once again to get us singing and moving along her creative mashups and our beloved dance hits. The DJ/music producer, who has managed to win over the Greek audience at jam-packed parties taking place across Athens, could not be absent from the ultimate summer event! Sweet summer vibes, full moon, music, your friends, and... a super festive mood are waiting for you at the Full Moon Fiesta! Unless you are already on an island, you can’t miss it!



XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor 
Full Moon Fiesta In Technopolis


#FullMoonFiesta #ΜουσικήΤεχνόπολη #20yrsTECHNOPOLIS
Access: Metro: “Kerameikos” station, Trolley-Bus: No. 21 (from Omonia square),
“Fotaerio” stop, Bus: 049, 815, 838, 914, Β18, Γ18, “Fotaerio” stop
It’s time for Friends of Canada (FoC)’s annual Informal Canada Day Celebration! We’re going with our favourite pizza meal at our favourite pizzeria - La Piazza in Chalandri. The set meal we’re offering is a mere 8.50 Euros per person!

Every nation is welcome to join in the laughter and fun at 19.30 on Tuesday, July 9. It’s a merry, casual atmosphere, with first-coming-first-seated/served. But you must register by Friday, July 5. Email rsvp.cu@gmail.com giving your name, your mobile phone number, the full names of each guest, and the sentence ‘Friends of Canada has my consent to process my data’.

Also note that the FoC Welfare Network, working in conjunction with the Salvation Army, will be collecting donations of hygiene products for mothers with young children.

See attachment for more details – we hope that everyone who is in town will come!

*Horiatiki pizza (smoked ham, feta cheese, olives, mushroom, fresh tomato, tomato sauce, cheese and peppers) - Caprese salad (sliced tomato on a bed of lettuce, topped with fresh mozzarella and pesto) - a glass each of house wine, white or red – Panna cotta
After many months of anticipation the Street Food and Tunes returns on Tuesday, July 2nd with a bar Italia party by the sea, which will mark the beginning of a great summer!

No stress, sipping a refreshing cocktail, enjoying the sea, listening to music you love... that's what summer is all about!

So on July 2nd let's imagine we're in beautiful Italy, with delicious pizzas, pasta, risotto, fresh bubbly drinks, and traditional gelato!

Street Food Menu:

Vera Pizza Napoletana
1. Margherita: tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, grated parmesan cheese and pecorino 5.90 €
2. Diavola: tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, spicy salami Napoli, nduja 6,50 €
3. Carbonara (Bianca): cream, egg, ham, pancetta, grated parmesan cheese and pecorino 6.50 €

Pasta (Visitors can choose between Penne / Orecchiette / Strozzapreti)
1. Napoletana: tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes 6.10 €
2. Pollo e Funghi: chicken, ribbed mushrooms, truffle oil, white wine, cream, onion, garlic, thyme 6,60 €

Risotto
1. Risotto ai Funghi: risotto with a variety of mushrooms, parmesan, truffle oil 6,10 €

Cocktail / Birra / Vino
1. Aperol Spritz: Aperol, Prosecco, soda 7.5 €
2. Sangria Bianca: white wine, yuzu lemon syrup, cherry plum syrup, triple sec, grapefruit juice, raspberries 6,50 €
3. Pinot Grigio, Cantine Pirovano Garganega White (glass 180ml) 4 €
4. Birra Moretti L 'Autentica (400ml) 4 €

Gelato
Ice cream  3 €



XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor Of Street Food & Tunes 


Education for all, synergies that give hope for our future and young students who dream of a bright and happy world were celebrated on Thursday, June 13, 2019. The Completion Ceremony of the Youth-to-Youth Educational & Social Integration Programs of the 2018-2019 academic year took place at ACS Athens campus in a warm and inspiring atmosphere.

The Youth-to-Youth Programs are delivered by ACS Athens to unaccompanied refugee minors in collaboration with The HOME Project Organization, with the generous support of the Shapiro Foundation and IKEA Foundation. This academic year is the third year that the part-time and full-time Youth-to-Youth Programs are running, proving in action how educational institutions have the power to respond to the deep problems of today’s world and find reliable partners to do so.

For all participating students and faculty members, this event was a celebration of a year full of knowledge and friendships, a touching celebration of life moving forward. The students shared their experiences from being a part of the Youth-to-Youth programs, either as students or as volunteer teachers, both sides expressing the same thought: “we learned from each other, we learned from each other’s culture and history, we are friends for life.”

Performing dances, singing and smiling, the students shared their talents, dreams, and future aspirations together with their dedication to keeping up their hard work for their next steps in education.

The Director of Youth-to-Youth Educational and Social Integration Programs and Academy Vice Principal, Ms. Julia Tokatlidou hosted the ceremony and proudly introduced the exceptional young participants of the program, some of whom have started only a few months ago but are already part of the ACS Athens family.

The Youth-to-Youth Programs will continue making an impact and will keep growing. For the academic year 2019-2020, the Shapiro Foundation has granted 18 full-time scholarships in ACS Athens for the HOME Project children, securing the opportunity to continue their studies at a leading educational institution
When Leonidas Koursoumis first saw the 400 square meter warehouse, full of dust and leftover building materials, near the center of Athens, he was left speechless. He knew that it would take tons of work, but he was one step closer to making his dream come true: to create the first second-hand bookstore in the country run exclusively by homeless people.

After losing his job in 2012, Mr. Koursoumis was also–eventually– left homeless. "When I was walking, whenever I felt tired I looked for a quiet place to sleep. I've slept on the ground, in the entrances of apartment buildings in Athens many times" he says.

During his time on the street, Mr. Koursoumis, collected discarded books from trashcans across the city which he later sold to the second-hand book stalls at the Athens flea market. The pursuit of old books gave him the idea to open a second-hand bookstore where he and the friends he met on the streets could work and make a living.

Today, he is confident that through the bookstore, he and his friends will be able to reclaim a part of their old lives. He is aiming to create a community center run by the homeless for the homeless at a new permanent spot he has found in Tavros, near the center of the city and hopes to move his book shop to the new premises in the next couple of weeks.

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

 
You can donate or buy second-hand books at 132 Piraios street, Athens, every day from 11.00 am to 05:00 pm
Email: booksleonis@yahoo.gr

The 2019 Epidaurus Festival premiered last Friday, June 21, with the successful performance of Oedipus by the highly acclaimed stage director, Robert Wilson.

This weekend June 28 &29 the National Theatre of Greece presents a bold, original concept; Oresteia, the only extant ancient drama trilogy is presented in Epidaurus in a single performance by three talented female directors in their Epidaurus debut, featuring a single cast and crew: Agamemnon by Io Voulgaraki, The Libation Bearers by Lilly Meleme, and The Eumenides by Georgia Mavragani.

Part 1: Agamemnon by Io Voulgaraki

In the first part of Aeschylus’ trilogy, King Agamemnon returns to Argos, shortly after the end of the Trojan War. Agamemnon triumphantly marches into the city and his palace, flaunting the Trojan princess and Apollo priestess Cassandra as his captive. Clytemnestra welcomes her husband, all pomp and circumstance. However, her enthusiasm conceals a deadly, well-orchestrated plan.

Part 2: The Libation Bearers by Lilly Meleme

In the second part of Aeschylus’ trilogy, Electra takes center stage, mourning her murdered father and obsessively anticipating the return of her brother, Orestes, her beacon of hope, with whom she plans to take revenge for Agamemnon.

Part 3: The Eumenides by Georgia Mavragani

The third part of the trilogy revolves around Orestes’ pursuit by the Furies and the holy trial he must submit himself to be acquitted. In this play, the Areopagus court is established, which is why it is often considered to be a foundational play of Athenian Democracy.

To learn more about the perfromance, please visit: Athens & Epidaurus Festival

 



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Travel to Epidaurus comfortably, reliably, and on time with YK Executive Transfers.

About The Book

The ancient Greeks adored the olive from the twilight of history, and even in prehistoric times they used olives in medicine, cooking, religion and many other aspects of everyday life. Until today, scientists, botanologists, archaeologists and geologists have been trying to peel away the secrets of the olive and its uses in Ancient Greece. In this book you will find out how the ancient Greeks used the olive, through paintings, activities and amusing texts... Let yourself be surprised by the facts, as the olive is still used today in multiple ways and in many cases in the same ways that it was used back then!

About The Author

Vasiliki Markaki studied International Relations and History of Art in Athens and holds two Masters Degrees, in Art Management and Museum and Gallery Management, from City University London.

She has collaborated with natural history museums in Greece and the UK, for the development of learning activities and has also worked for the London-based British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. In 2015, she joined the team that planned and managed the development of the House of European History, the new museum of the European Parliament, designing the learning strategy and all related material for physical and online visitors. Since 2017 she has been working at the Μuseum of Cycladic Art as the coordinator of the museum’s e-learning program.

Her children’s book “Discovering the Ancient Secrets of the Olive” was published in Greek and English in 2013.

 


To purchase Vassiliki's book, please visit: Amazon.com

Real Madrid in Santorini!

Santorini is the ultimate all-year-round tourism destination all over the world, distinguished for its deep blue sea, Cycladic architecture, volcanic energy and its famous sunset. From October 4-6, 2019, however, Santorini gives the world the opportunity to discover the island’s sports tourism, through “Santorini Experience”, with unique running and swimming races.

Specifically, on Saturday, October 5, runners will have the opportunity to enjoy the three established routes on the Caldera, overlooking the enchanting images of the volcano and the background scenery of Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Oia. The 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” route concerns the running and dynamic walking, the 10km is addressed to the most experienced in distances and the 15km route to those who love strength, endurance and adrenaline. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, including mainly parts of soil, and finish in Oia. The running routes are designed by the former marathon runner, Greek classic route record holder, running trainer, and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias.
On the occasion of the 5th “Santorini Experience”, the technical director of the race highlighted: “It is a great pleasure to find ourselves for another year at this really beautiful destination. The routes we have designed are suitable for athletes of all abilities and can satisfy even the most demanding runners. Once again we expect this year to welcome runners from all over the world who will come to enjoy the race and live a unique experience on the picturesque trails of the Caldera”.
 
Enjoy a small sample of the event’s unique running routes at the following video here!

“Santorini Experience” has become part of the global community of World’s Marathons [numbering more than 4,331 running races worldwide].
 
Real Madrid in Santorini for the first time!

In the framework of “Santorini Experience”, and in cooperation with MGC Soccer Central, head coaches from the academies of Real Madrid will visit Santorini for the first time and specifically the facilities of the athletic center Playland, from October 3-6, 2019 and teach football to children aged between 6 and 16, using the coaching methodologies of Los Merengues! The Real Madrid Foundation is an organization responsible for teaching players with the Real Madrid coaching methodology throughout the world. Teaching is offered to male and female athletes. Real Madrid Foundation Clinics of Greece started in December 2018, aiming to promote the values ​​of the foundation through sports and education.

Register now. For more information click here!

All participants will have the right to take part in Real Madrid’s clinics to be held in Madrid. On the occasion of the clinics to be held in Santorini, MGC Soccer Central, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yiotis Panayiotou stated: “It is a great pleasure for us to collaborate with Santorini and Santorini Experience for the first time. We are happy that we give the opportunity to children to learn the value ​​of sports and the secrets of football, from coaches coming from Real Madrid, the club with the most European championship titles”.
 
Registrations for swimming and running continue
From 1/6/2019, participants may register in the event according to the final wave of registrations which lasts until the start of the event.

Register now here!
 
2019 Santorini Experience offers
Take advantage of the offers available on ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation for “Santorini Experience” here!


XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of Santorini Experience

 
Samsung is the event’s official technology partner for one more year.
Official sponsors of the event include Ford Motor Hellas, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Blue Star Ferries and Alafouzos Sport.
For another year, Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier.
Official supporters of the event are: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts and Boatmen Union Santorini.
Avance Rent A Car is the official rental partner.
National Geographic is the strategic partner of the event and 24 Media its premium media partner.
DNA Travel is the official transport partner.
“Santorini Experience” is assisted by West East Suites, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Mediterranean Dive Club, Atlantis Dive Center and Santorini Nautical Club.
Hospitality Sponsors include: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Vedema a Luxury Collection Resort, Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santo Houses, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, Sienna Resort, Esperas Santorini, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Mesana Stone Houses
 
“Santorini Experience” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 program of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

“Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group.

The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

 
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

Photo by Babis Giritziotis

 

The pride of the Acropolis Museum is most definitely the Parthenon gallery, and the museum's mission is to establish the fact that it is the most suitable place to exhibit the marbles that once adorned Athens' most famous monument.

Coinciding with the 10-year birthday of the Acropolis Museum, the inauguration of new exhibition space has been announced; an entire ancient neighborhood has been excavated right below the museum building revealing ancient villas, streets, workshops, and bathhouses.

"For the first time we are able to see how people lived in the shadow of the Acropolis," said Dimitrios Pandermalis, the museum's director pointing towards a gorgeous ancient courtyard and a chamber where aristocrats held symposiums.

Building a €130m museum so close to the Acropolis in an area so rich in archaeology, was a difficult task and the discovery of so many ancient ruins – some of which date back the late classical era– significantly delayed the completion of the museum.

But the 13 years of digging paid off and helped archaeologists learn even more about ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy.

To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian


10 Years Acropolis Museum Celebration

Thursday, 20 June 2019

Celebrating the Acropolis Museum’s birthday, entrance to the exhibition areas will be free from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. 

Friday, 21 June 2019 onwards

The archaeological excavation will be open to the public with the general admission fee ticket. The excavated area of 4,000 sq. meters comprises houses, workshops, baths and streets of an ancient Athenian neighborhood that existed from the classical to the Byzantine years, in successive phases. This impressive archaeological site will soon be enriched with the most representative findings of the excavation. Architectural ruins will be organized in a unique exhibition set that sheds light on the everyday life of an ancient neighborhood that existed in the shadow of the Acropolis. On this day the Museum exhibition areas will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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