XpatAthens
Thursday, 11 July 2019 07:00
Refugee Women In Greece Find Relief In Soccer
Even though many of the players at Hestia FC weren't allowed to play — or even watch — soccer matches in their home countries, here, they constitute Greece's first women's refugee team.
The team members come from 14 different countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Ethiopia, which makes communication during soccer practice a challenge. At a recent practice, the team's founder Katerina Salta and her coach went through instructions with the help of a translator who speaks English, Urdu, Pashto, Dari, and Farsi.
"The atmosphere in the team is fantastic," Salta said. "I started this program to empower them but what actually happens is that every single day I get empowered by them — their will, their (determination) to continue trying for their lives even in such difficult conditions."
Hestia FC participated in the Global Goals World Cup in Denmark last month a five-a-side women's tournament that aims to promote gender equality. None of the migrant women were allowed to travel, and consequently, they were substituted by volunteers who agreed to play in their place. Unexpectedly, Hestia FC won the tournament.
To read this inspiring article in full, please visit: The Associated Press
About Hestia FC
In Ancient Greek religion, Hestia is a virgin goddess of the hearth, architecture, and the right ordering of domesticity, the family, the home, and the state. Since she represents all matters domestic, there was an underlying assumption back then that the belief in her would result in peace, order, and harmony in the home.
Hestia FC is the first refugee and migrant women football team in Greece. It’s a program of the International Olympic Truce Centre in collaboration with the international NGO Eir, which takes action globally for the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) though sport.
The overall aim of the project which is under the Auspices of the City of Athens and the Council for the Social Inclusion of Refugees is the protection, the psychological well-being, the empowerment and the social integration of refugee and migrant women, as well as the promotion of the Olympic values and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sport. Human rights based rules of a sport can help to replace culturally discriminative norms that exclude women from sport. By bringing people together, building communities and fighting attitudes of xenophobia, negative gender stereotypes and racism, sport has the potential to make an important contribution to the integration of refugees in the EU.
Since our ultimate aim is to fight against any kind of discrimination and promote equal access to sport for women in general, the team will also welcome Greek women with less opportunities in the near future.
Our vision is that like the ancient Greek goddess, Hestia FC will become a home, a refuge and that our players and supporters will raise their voices to support all vulnerable women.
Source: Hestia FC
Hestia FC is the first refugee and migrant women football team in Greece. It’s a program of the International Olympic Truce Centre in collaboration with the international NGO Eir, which takes action globally for the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) though sport.
The overall aim of the project which is under the Auspices of the City of Athens and the Council for the Social Inclusion of Refugees is the protection, the psychological well-being, the empowerment and the social integration of refugee and migrant women, as well as the promotion of the Olympic values and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sport. Human rights based rules of a sport can help to replace culturally discriminative norms that exclude women from sport. By bringing people together, building communities and fighting attitudes of xenophobia, negative gender stereotypes and racism, sport has the potential to make an important contribution to the integration of refugees in the EU.
Since our ultimate aim is to fight against any kind of discrimination and promote equal access to sport for women in general, the team will also welcome Greek women with less opportunities in the near future.
Our vision is that like the ancient Greek goddess, Hestia FC will become a home, a refuge and that our players and supporters will raise their voices to support all vulnerable women.
Source: Hestia FC
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Greece In The News
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Thursday, 03 December 2020 16:49
New Disabled Lift Installed At The Acropolis Of Athens
Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an emblematic project was inaugurated on Thursday, December 3 by the Greek Prime Minister.
A new lift that will enable wheelchair users, elderly citizens, and people with mobility problems to visit the monuments of the Acropolis has been installed at the Acropolis Hill. The lift will carry disabled visitors from the level of the ancient promenade, on the northern slope of the Acropolis, to the top of the hill.
“Today, we inaugurate the new lift and also the designed routes to make the Acropolis Hill accessible to everyone,” the Prime Minister said with regards to the much-anticipated project. The project was bankrolled by the Onassis Foundation, which has also paid for two electric cars for people with disabilities and the new illumination of Athens' most important archaeological site.
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com
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Local News
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Friday, 15 October 2021 07:00
Athens Grant Walk: Downtown to Get Green Makeover
The redevelopment of central Athens’ Panepistimiou Avenue is part of a general urban redevelopment plan. So far the makeover has included park projects, pedestrian walkways, and major city square overhauls.
After major construction works on the central street of the capital, 19,360 square meters will be redeveloped. Athens will, presumably, have more aesthetically modernized and environmentally valuable public space after the renovation.
To enhance sustainable mobility by expanding existing sidewalks, 4270 square meters will be allocated for pedestrians, according to the makeover project. Another 2260 square meters of Athens green space (large flower beds with shrubs and seasonal plants), will be created.
A total of 87 new large plane trees are to be planted along Panepistimiou Avenue, lining both sides of the street. The Panepistimiou renovation has a budget of €3 million euros and is a plan Athens mayor Kostas Bakoyiannis believes in.
Upgrading Athens’ standard of living
The makeover aims to upgrade the standard of living in the urban center, the municipality says, making it more accessible and friendlier to Athens residents and visitors.
This stage of the project comes after the recent start of renovation work on the lower part of Athens’ Syntagma Square. The makeover renovations are scheduled to begin at the end of the year.
The works will continue for a period of up to 15 months, the Athens municipality announced. The makeover will allegedly follow the example of similar urban plans implemented in Berlin and Paris.
In an effort to clarify a number of issues (and take the pulse of the reactions), the Athens municipality has launched an FAQ series covering questions on the makeover project.
Athens authorities are noting that the disruption will be as little as possible in the capital. They have announced that works will be carried out in segments.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
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Local News
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Tuesday, 29 March 2022 19:44
Museum Of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions in central Athens brings an amazing location for both socializing and entertaining.
A perfect place for new experiences and fun, there’s something for everyone: friends and family, parents and couples, grandparents and grandchildren!
Enter the fascinating world of illusions which will trick your confidence in senses, but amaze you by doing it; the world that will confuse you completely, but also educate you.
Let your imagination run free in the vast expanse of the Infinity Room, defy the laws of gravity in the Reverse Room, shrink to miniature size in the Ames Room… all while capturing you in the coveted, impossible photo.
A perfect place for new experiences and fun, there’s something for everyone: friends and family, parents and couples, grandparents and grandchildren!
Enter the fascinating world of illusions which will trick your confidence in senses, but amaze you by doing it; the world that will confuse you completely, but also educate you.
Deceive your eyes and entertain the mind!
Enjoy a collection of holograms, look closely at each optical illusion, and observe each exhibit. You’ll find that each is a brilliant, playful reminder that our assumptions of the world are often nothing but a spectre of illusions.
Amusing and awesome tricks will teach you about vision, perception, the human brain and science so it will be easier to perceive why your eyes see things which your brain cannot understand. Make sure you visit our playroom with intriguing and educational games and puzzles. These brain bashers are definitely great fun but tend to be frustrating as well.
Come and explore the world of illusions. Experience the impossible. And, by all means, bring your camera!
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Museums & Sites
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Thursday, 25 August 2022 12:47
The Greek Maritime Golf Event Is Approaching
The countdown has begun for the top golf tournament in Greece, the Greek Maritime Golf Event, which will gather more than 100 leading executives from the maritime industry for the 8th year, on September 8-11, 2022, at Costa Navarino, Messinia.
Showcasing golf & maritime
The event promotes the golf activity on a yearly basis, giving the opportunity to distinguished executives of the Greek maritime industry to get acquainted with the values and benefits of the popular Olympic sport, to admire the beauties of Messinia, to compete in an idyllic landscape full of centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the historic Bay of Navarino and the picturesque port of Pylos, while also contributing to the good cause of the event.
Golf for everyone at the Greek Maritime Golf Event 2022
This year’s golfing action includes a two-day shotgun scramble for participants, with the first day of competition taking place on Friday, September 9 at The Hills Course and the second on Saturday, September 10 at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.
In addition, non-golfers will attend a golf clinic on Saturday, September 10 and participate in the putting competition that will be held at The Dunes Course.
On Friday, September 9, the event will greet its participants at the Welcome Cocktail by Marine Tours.
On Saturday, September 10, awards will be given to the top three teams in the overall standings, whereas special awards will be given to individual players who will achieve the best scores in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” categories. The awards night will be presented by the EuroLeague legend Joe Arlauckas, who will also compete in the tournament.
Check the full schedule here: www.greekmaritimegolf.gr/schedule
The maritime industry supports HOPEgenesis
Greek Maritime Golf Event will support the Non-Profit Company HOPEgenesis through its actions. On Saturday, September 10, during this year’s award ceremony, participants will have the opportunity to contribute with their desired amount by taking part in raffles for significant lottery prizes. The total amount to be collected will be given to the Non-Profit Company HOPEgenesis.
For more information about HOPEgenesis: www.hopegenesis.org
Top maritime companies highlight the event
Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the most significant maritime companies from Greece and Cyprus, as well as various other important companies that support the event.
IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Onego Shipping Company are Golden Sponsors.
DNV, Arrow Hellas and Marine Tours are the Silver Sponsors.
Optima International Shipbroking Services SA is the Official Sponsor.
Spanos Luxury Cars is the Official Mobility Sponsor.
Standard Club, Poseidonia Restaurant and Grey Goose are the event’s Official Supporters.
Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.
Greek Maritime Golf Event is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production.
Messinian Spa is the event’s Official Beauty Partner.
Minoa Water is the event’s Official Water.
Hellenic Grocery, Spitiko, Karalis Beach Hotel, The Margi, Domaine Skouras, Arifakis Menswear, Iliada Sunset Suites, Afanos Guesthouse, OKIO Restaurant, Kayak and Athi Rodi are the event’s Partners.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
The event will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic Golf Federation. The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek maritime community.
Hashtags: #greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino #navarinohills
Photo Credit: Mike Tsolis
Photo Credit: Mike Tsolis
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Local News
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:03
Patmos & The Monastery of St. John
The locked gates to one of the world’s most revered holy places are themselves imposing, looming high above the port of Skala on this island in the eastern Aegean. The St. John monastery was built by St. Christodoulos in 1088 to venerate St. John, who wrote the Book of Revelation in a nearby cave after being exiled to the island in 95 AD by the Roman emperor Domitian.
Now home to 15 monks, the monastery is located at the highest point of Hora, which is a spiral of whitewashed buildings, many in varying states of graceful decay, perched dramatically over the port.
Visiting the monastery was my first order of business on Patmos and it did not disappoint. The church’s icons are visually arresting, the views of the surrounding islands are sublime, and the presence of black clad monks a reminder that St. John’s is a magnet for devout Christians.
Locals claim that Patmos has more than 300 churches, or one for every 10 residents. Father Ioustinianos, 62, a monk from Crete who has lived at St. John’s for 22 years. took me on a private tour of Zoodochos Pigi, an early 17th-century monastery in Hora, and invited me to an afternoon service at St. John’s.
To read more, please visit boston.com
By Dave Seminara
Published in
Travel Greece
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Thursday, 19 February 2015 14:13
Varoufakis Says He Was And Still Is Prepared To Sign
In his press conference, Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said he had been prepared to agree to a deal with creditors that would have given Athens four to six months additional credit in return for putting major new budget policies on hold.
He said the European Commission had put such a suggestion to him before Monday's meeting of euro zone finance ministers but that it had been superseded by a different draft proposal - from Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem - that he could not sign because it obliged Athens to extend its current bailout package.
Dijsselbloem's proposal was "highly problematic," he said. "We were offering to refrain effectively from implementing our own program for a period of six months and all we were getting back was a nebulous promise of some flexibility that was never specified," Varoufakis told reporters.
To read more, please visit thetoc.gr/eng
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Wednesday, 24 June 2015 07:00
Interview With Emmy Award Winning Actor And Director Yannis Simonides - "Socrates Now"
We all know who Socrates was: only one of the greatest Greek philosophers of all time. Socrates Now is a 75 minute solo theatre performance (in English with Modern Greek subtitles) highlighting the Apology of Socrates. Performed in seventeen countries so far—festivals, universities and theatres—in 2015 performances are planned from 27th June until 19th July and is expected to attract over 2000 viewers of all ages.
Starring and co-directed by the Emmy Award Winning actor and scholar Yannis Simonides, he gives us some insight.
Born in Constantinople, raised in Athens and educated at Yale in the United States, you are truly an international, Mr. Simonides…but where do you feel your roots really lie?
Absolutely and fully in Greece, on every rocky path I have traversed, in every harbour I have anchored in, every sprig of thyme I have inhaled, every amphitheatre I have been graced with, every modern Odysseus I have encountered
Whilst your tour a lot worldwide, have you ever spent an extended period of time living and working in Athens? What has been your experience?
I have and quite often, and now I have a pied-a-terre in Psyrri, facing the Rock, listening to bongos and santouri all night long, taking in the fantastic graffiti, agonizing with the rest of my compatriots, performing in English and Greek for my fellow citizens and the citizens of the world, this 69 year old wandering minstrel could not be happier and more privileged
You’ve been performing Socrates Now for 10 years. You must feel a personal connection to the philosopher by now. Do you feel yourself identifying with any of his character traits?
10 years, 18 countries, over 200,000 audiences – there is no way that one could attempt this pilgrimage without being fundamentally altered by the experience. My morality has evolved into simple ethics, my humor has gotten sharper yet gentler, my attitude more childlike, my wisdom more prudent, my joy in life more delicious, my peace with my mortality more genuine; though, unfortunately, my Socratic determination to change the world has gotten out of hand and something needs be done about it. Any ideas?
To read more, please visit: Life Beyond Borders
For detailed event information and to book tickets, please click HERE.
For detailed event information and to book tickets, please click HERE.
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People
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Monday, 30 November 2015 07:00
Athens Metro Makes World's Top 10 In Frommer's Travel Guide
Athens commuters may take it for granted on a day-to-day basis, but for visitors to the Greek capital the metro is one of the sites worth visiting. In fact online travel guide Frommer’s recently ranked the Athens metro among the top 10 subways in the world because of the archaeological exhibitions and contemporary art installations at a number of its stations.
The feature by Charis Atlas Heelan compares different subway systems around the world, asking: “What makes the world’s best subway, Metro, and Tube systems? Other than safety, cleanliness, and cost, it doesn’t hurt to have amenities like great architecture or underground shops and eateries. Bonus points if the transit stations aren’t too crowded or have endless staircases.”
The Athens metro is presented among the world’s top 10 in most flattering terms: “One of the crowning achievements of this city’s Olympic bid was the creation of Attiko Metro, a system with stations housing archaeological exhibits and items that were uncovered while digging (walls, cisterns, urns, and even sarcophagi). Even if you don’t need to get to any of the 50-plus stations, it’s well worth a visit to Syntagma Square or Akropoli stations to see the relics or Ethniki Amyna station for more contemporary art installations. Though the trains aren’t that modern or efficient, the visual surroundings make it all worthwhile,” the writer says.
To read more, please visit: ekathimerini
To read more, please visit: ekathimerini
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Local News
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Monday, 21 August 2017 08:56
Athens’ 17th Century Fethiye Mosque Opens To The Public
The 17th century Ottoman monument, one of the most important historic buildings in Athens’ historic center, will operate as an exhibition venue for photography or antiquities, the head of the Athens Ephorate of Antiquities told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.
The monument is located on the northern side of the ancient Roman Agora in Athens, near the Tower of the Winds and is a listed building. It was built on the ruins of a Christian basilica from the middle Byzantine period (8th-9th centuries), which was converted into a mosque. Initially it was believed its construction was completed to coincide with the visit to the city of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1458. However more recent studies, combined with excavation data, led to its redating and its integration in the second half of the 17th century, probably between 1668-1670.
It was built according to the architectural style of “quatrefoil” or “clover-leaf-cross-in-square”, as its broad central dome is supported by four quadrangles in cruciform arrangement.
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Local News
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