“Navarino Challenge” continues its impressive course with more distinctions. The top sports tourism event was honored this time with the gold award as the best tourism event in Greece at the Event Awards 2018.

The event, which will take place for the 6th consecutive year, in Messinia and Costa Navarino , 12-14 October 2018, enriches its program with new activities for kids. This year’s event includes “beachathlon”, namely track and field races for children at The Dunes Beach under the supervision of the Olympic and European Champion in 400m. with

hurdles, Periklis Iakovakis.

Periklis Iakovakis said for the particular activity: “Classic sports have three general categories of racing: running, jumps and throws. This year at Navarino Challenge we will become acquainted with some of these races in a slightly different way. We will not conduct them at a stadium, nor at any other sports venue, but on the beautiful beach of Costa Navarino! Taking advantage of the unique facilities of this area we thought about creating a track and field event on the beach. That’s how we decided to create Beachathlon. On the sand, children will have the opportunity to test their strengths in various track and field sports that will be adapted to this environment. Our goal is to make this acquaintance with the classic sports activities even more entertaining and original and to give the opportunity to children of all ages to discover their abilities at Navarino Challenge Beachathlon! We are looking forward to seeing you all there”.

Fysiotek Sports Lab will assist the award-winning sports tourism event “Navarino Challenge” with one more innovative activity. Fysiotek Sports Lab, as a pioneer in the field of rehabilitation and preventive medicine in sports, will cover the sports medical needs throughout the event and will support its activities, with a state-of-the-art recovery station in the established running races.

“Navarino Challenge” participants will have the opportunity during their stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino to enjoy special discounts from the sponsors and partners of the event.Check out all the available offers HERE!

Registration continues and can be completed by clicking HERE!

The pre-sale is available also via www.viva.gr , by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre- sale points of the Viva network. 

Registrations end on August 31 st , 2018.

Navarino Challenge participants who will book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in at least one of the main activities (running, swimming, SUP) will also be able to enjoy the organization’s full program of activities free of charge, including:Tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, kids’ athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training, crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, beachathlon and demonstration race with optimist boats.

More information about the accommodation packages may be found HERE!

Samsung is the official technology partner of the event for a 2 nd consecutive year. For another year Vikos SA as an official sponsor will spread the message of sporting energy with the natural mineral water “Vikos”, offering the necessary hydration and revitalization to all participants. The natural mineral water “Vikos” offers the necessary balance, well-being and energy that the athletes need during their exercise in order to be able to continue their efforts.

Ford Motor Hellas promotes sports and “fair play” and supports the efforts of the fight against childhood obesity while promoting healthy diet by participating for another year in the support team of “Navarino Challenge”. For the fifth consecutive year, athletes and organizers will move with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas,

the official sponsor of “Navarino Challenge”.

Official supporters are Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor.

The 6th Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group and with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia. Navarino Challenge will take place with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.

Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Sponsors: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor Hellas
Official Supporters: Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance Rent A Car, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor
Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Surf Salad, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy
Strategic Partner: National Geographic
Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, The Diner, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Athens Easy Transfers, Anazoe Spa, Fysiotek Sports Lab
Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #eatwell #runwell #livewell

Photo credit: Mike Tsolis

Making its way to Scotland for the first time is the award-winning exhibition, Museum Without A Home, made up of items donated to refugees.

According to BBC, the exhibition items were mainly donated by people in Greece to refugees and asylum seekers as the refugee crisis began to unfold in 2015/2016. First shown in Athens, it was put together by Amnesty International and Oxfam.

As the exhibition travels the world, it picks up items along the way. Scotland's contribution if welcome letters written by locals.

Eiman, who lives in Scotland and came from Sudan, said, "If you have nothing and you arrive in a new place, the simplest act of kindness can make a really big difference, whether that's in Athens or here in Glasgow. So with these items, it's the story that they tell, even if they seem like a strange thing to put in a display case."

To read this article in full, please visit: BBC

According to the Infrastructure Minister Christos Spirtzis, victims of the Attica fire will be able to submit applications starting from July 31, 2018 to receive 5,000 euros in aid.

The government has stated that they will pay 5,000 euros to households affected by the fire and 6,000 euros to families with more than two children. Businesses will receive 8,000 euros.

After inspecting over 3,500 buildings, Spirtzis and his team declared almost 1,000 of those not fit for use and about 800 buildings are temporarily unfit for use.

Government spokesperson Dimitris Tzanakopoulos also announced in addition to this aid, a complete set of measures for fire victims, including support for unemployed and pensioners, measures to compensate and support the families of victims, suspension of foreclosure auctions, reparation of material damages, and measures of direct tax and contribution relief.

Please visit Greek News Agenda to see the full list of fire relief measures.

Articlce source: Ekathimerini

After the devastating wildfires that hit the Attica region recently, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is encouraging travelers to stick with their plans and visit the country. The UNWTO stated to tourists, "Tourism means much needed income and creates new opportunities. Go there!"

The Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, expressed his condolences during this challenging time for Greece. He said, "In this difficult moment allow me to convey, on my personal behalf and that of UNWTO, our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and reiterate our full support to the people and the Government of Greece."

He added, "The people of Greece have proven their resilience many times before and I truly believe this time will be no different."

This week the whole country of Greece was in the unfortunate state of witnessing one of the most tragic wildfires to ever break out in the country, taking the lives of many people people.

We would like to express our deepest condolences to all the families affected by the event, and help as much as possible by gathering information about emergency contacts and ways one can help individually.

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

July is a very busy month in Greek summer, so a complete list of all the events taking place in Athens will help you make the most out of it! Meanwhile, you can discover how ancient Minoans inspired our summer clothes and styles we wear today!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

After the devastating fires in the Attica region of Greece, in the areas of Mati and Rafina, as well as Agioi Theodoroi and Kineta, people across the country are coming together to offer aid and help where possible. Below we have sourced as much information as we possible in the last day in order to provide the community with emergency information, and how to help the victims of this devastating fire. If you have information that can be added to this article, please email us at ideas@xpatathens.com.

• General Help Line - call 108*
  
  
• Additional Line and missing persons reports - call 199
  
  
• Animal Help - 2108013302
  
  
• Medical Aid - If you know people that are diabetic and are in need of the drugs Lantus or Novorapid, please call +30 6970459926

• Major hospitals in Athens and in the surrounding areas are in need of blood. Please get in touch with your local hospital or the National Blood Donation Center for more information on how to donate blood.

• For expats who want to offer their home to victims, please click here. 
  
  
• Airbnb is asking anyone with available housing in the area indicated on the map (in the link), to please consider making their home available. Click here for more info.
  
  
• The stadium of Megara is open to those seeking shelter (tel. 229 608 1088).
  
  
• Free shelter and food in La Playa Marathon.
  
  
• Free shelter in hotel Nireas in Nea Makri (tel. 229 409 1214).
  
  
• Shelter provided at the 1st and 2nd primary schools of Agioi Theodoroi.
  
  
• Shelter provided at the Mayor's office "Dimarchio" and Cultural Center of Pnevmatiko Kentro in Rafina.
  
  
• Shelter and help at the Kineta and Megara Retirement Centers.

• The Municipality of the Rafina - Pikermi, along with Piraeus bank, created the following bank account to support all those in need.
  • Bank name: Piraeus Bank
  • Bank account: 5186092291418
  • ΙΒΑΝ: GR20 0172 1860 0051 8609 2291 418
    
    
• Hellenic Red Cross - In order to facilitate all individuals or companies willing to offer financial support in favor of the people affected by the wild fires, they have opened the following bank account. Click here.

• The central Sklavenitis supermarket in Rafina provide water and food.
  
  
• In the center of Pikermi, the cafés Grigoris and Everest provide food and water.
  
  
• Cultural center of Nea Makri with water /food and First Aid.
  
  
• Food and water collection - Nea Makri (Avenue Marathon 104).

• For the people in Kineta, they can bring the animals to the courtyard of the Agioi Theodoroi church.
  
  
• In case of stray animals near any fire affected areas, please collect them and call 6975664142 to ask for further information.
  
  
• Nine Lives Greece is organizing a search-and-rescue mission this Friday (27-07) and Saturday (28-07) in the fire-stricken areas. They will need foster care for animals that they find. If you can offer any space to the affected animals, please email ninelivesgreece@gmail.com or message their Facebook page. Additionally, if you would like to offer transport help, cages, traps, leashes, cat or dog food, and/or basic medical supplies, please let NLG know.

---

The above information has been sourced from: Local community members, Greek Reporter, Peempip Facebook page, and the Foreigners Living in Greece Facebook group. We have tried our best to communicate this important information, but XpatAthens cannot take responsibility for inaccuracies.

 

We are deeply saddened by this devastating occurrence and hope to help in any way we can.

Photo by Matt Artz on Unsplash.

 

 

Thissio is a small area in downtown Athens, next to the Acropolis and is filled with cool little bars and restaurants. From our very own food critic, George highly recommends you to get lost in the neighborhood and try to discover its secrets, just as he did and precisely how he stumbled upon Gevomai kai Magevomai or the Savor Charms Taverna.

"During one of my rounds, I found myself pretty hungry and in need of a traditional and delicious Greek cuisine. So I thought, what better place to fulfill my desires than in a taverna? For some of you, this will not be a surprise, but to those of you who have never been to a Greek taverna, they are fairly cheap and incredibly good. You can usually order from a few daily prepared wonders, as well as from a traditional pre-arranged menu."

"This little taverna was no exception. What Savor Charms lacks in ambiance, it exceeds in food quality. I was offered a fairly full menu, both in English and Greek (for people like me who like to practice their Greek vocabulary and reading). After a few minutes, I was handed a hand-written note that showed the specials of the day, of which required some explanation from the waiter. Let me assure, though, they were the best choice!"

"I was with a small group of friends so ordered a few dishes to share among ourselves, as I think this works well with groups of friends. We ordered three daily specials, a mushroom souffle, fried sardines, and eggplant with tomato sauce and feta cheese on top. From the menu we had saganaki (fried cheese), potatoes, grilled octopus and zucchini croquettes. To ease the soul, we asked for two carafes of white wine from the house. Savor Charm's Greek wine is some of the best I have had so far! It was heavenly!"

"Needless to say the food was incredible. The souffle had a nice creamy texture to it and was cooked beautifully, the croquettes were a Greek delicacy and don´t even get me started on the eggplant with cheese! As is customary in Greece when the check comes, we were also offered a complimentary dish. This little gift from the taverna is usually an assortment of desserts, ouzo, coffee or in this particular case, a cold Mastixa. If you have never tried it, you are missing a big Greek secret. All in all, Savor Charms was a delicious and small Greek Taverna, perfect after a long day of museums and old stones sightings."

George is XpatAthens' Argentinian visiting food critic. All opinions are his own. Keep checking back in Restaurants for more of George's reviews!

Savor Charms
Address: Nileos 11, Thissio
Telephone: 210 345 2802
Facebook

Photo Source: Tripadvisor

Much of Greece has been hit by a heatwave and as temperatures are expected to reach over 40 degrees on Monday July 23, the Acropolis will close early again.

The Acropolis and Dionyssos Theater closed early on Sunday, July 22 and will close on Monday July 23 at 14:00 in order to protect staff and visitors from the dangers on heatstroke.

Visitors who have already purchased tickets online can visit any of the ticket issuing posts and exchange for a different date.

Source: Greek City Times