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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

These days I’m contemplating with the meaning of two small words that when put together they have the power to create miracles: “accept yourself.” I’m sure you hear and read about it all the time. But what does it really mean for you though?

One of my clients just got a new job. She’s a young woman, climbing the corporate ladder. She’s also the person that will wholeheartedly give a hand when needed. Another is a supermom of two who tries to keep the family balance while at the same time teaching part-time and volunteering in a children’s center. Both are kind and sweet and smart and good-looking. Both are amazing women. But when you ask them “what does accepting yourself mean?” and “do you really accept yourself?” you won’t get quite the positive response you’d expect.

And they’re not the only ones dealing with issues of self-acceptance. “Why?” you may ask.

Because one may have dark spots on her skin and believe no one wants to be with her; or because she cannot accept her curly hair and is constantly trying to make them straight; or because she doesn’t have the super career her sister does; or because she doesn’t have a university degree; or because her boyfriend/husband left her; or because her mother doesn’t approve of her way of raising her children; or because she’s not as slim as that model on TV. Any reason will do.

Does this sound familiar to you? Have you or any of your close friends been in this position? I know I have and it’s taken me a while to get out of there and into greener fields. I’d like to share with you what I’ve learned and am still learning.

Accept yourself as you are. Accept yourself with pride, not self-pity. Accept yourself when you’re happy and when you’re moody. Accept yourself when you have a fabulous day and when your day is ruined. Accept yourself without any criticism or self-judgment only with the will to become better, do better. Because when you accept yourself as you are a brand new world of opportunities opens up. Your horizons broaden and new choices make themselves visible. And that, my dear friend, is the first step of a new chapter in your new life.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

The Ancient Greeks loved their sports, and for this obvious reason staged the first formal Olympic Games in 776 B.C., giving the world the idea of organized sports events as entertainment for arenas full of spectators and adoration for new heroes. 

The Ancient Greeks were the first culture in which people idolized their favorite athletic superstars, to a level that even today’s most fanatical sports fans might find extreme.

1. Horse Races

Kele, or riders competing on horseback, was added to the Olympics in 648 B.C., according to Miller’s book. The race was about 1.2 kilometers (approximately three-quarters of a mile) in length. The jockeys—who were young boys and probably slaves—rode bareback, without stirrups, though they did have reins and a whip to guide the horses.

2. Running

The Greeks loved footraces, particularly the stadion, which was named after an ancient unit of measurement and corresponded to the 200-meter sprint in modern track, according to Stephen Gaylord Miller’s Ancient Greek Athletics. From 776 to 726 B.C., it was the only event at the Olympic Games. The Greeks later added the diaulos, the equivalent of today’s 400 meters event, as well as a distance event, the dolichos, which was between 7.5 and 9 kilometers—roughly similar to the 10K event that countless recreational runners now participate in each weekend. But the Greeks had one event that has no modern counterpart—the hoplitodromos, in which competitors emulated Greek infantry, and ran wearing helmets and bronze shin guards and carried shields.

3. Wrestling

In ancient Greek-style wrestling, grapplers fought in a standing position, with the object of throwing the opponent to the ground, according to Miller. The concept of pinning an adversary’s shoulders to the ground didn’t yet exist. Instead, wrestlers won a match by throwing an opponent three times. Another unique feature of the ancient event was that there were no weight classes, according to Lunt. The most fearsome wrestler of ancient times was Milos of Kroton, who in legend developed his great strength by lifting and carrying a newborn calf until it grew into a full-sized ox.

4. Pentathlon

The discus and javelin, to modern field events, date back to the ancient Greeks, but back then, they weren’t separate events. Instead, they were part of the pentathlon, a five-event combination that also included the long jump, running, and wrestling. The Greeks had lead or stone weights, called halteres, that some believe jumpers used in an effort to propel themselves further during the competition, though Lunt believes that the weights were only used in training.

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

The biggest FIBA 3X3 basketball event in Greece, Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival, returns for the 7th year, transforming Syros into a global basketball hub from June 27 to 29, 2025.

The prestigious event, which continues to support the vision of two-time champion and EuroLeague record-holder, Georgios Printezis, hosted thousands of visitors in 2024, turning the historic Miaouli Square into the ultimate basketball destination. In another record-breaking year, Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival attracted over 2,500 visitors on average every day, continuing to break new attendance records for the tournament and Greek 3X3 basketball. The event achieved one more success with the massive participation in the official FIBA 3X3, where 156 teams and 540 athletes aged from 8 to 57 years old competed on the 4 fully packed open basketball courts.

This year, the event takes things to the next level with surprise guests, exciting side activities, and fresh experiences for both participants and spectators. Basketball will take center stage across every corner of Syros, creating unique opportunities for sports tourism, all while showcasing the stunning Cycladic architecture and the endless blue of the Aegean.

Get ready for a three-day event filled with basketball, fun, and unforgettable moments in the enchanting Ermoupoli, from June 27 to 29, 2025!

Stoiximan is the title sponsor of the event for the fourth consecutive year, actively supporting both the event and the island through its social initiatives. Their contribution plays a key role in promoting amateur sports and tourism in Greece, while also advocating for healthy values in sports.

Progame, the Municipality of Syros-Ermoupolis, and the South Aegean Region are Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival’s Organizers.

More information about the opening of registrations and this year’s activities will be announced in the coming weeks.

#StoiximanAegeanBallFestival #ΓιαΤηΣύρο #WeAreSyros

www.aegeanball.gr | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Greece is one of the 28 award winners of the 2016 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards. The country scored two awards in the category of “Conservation” for the Byzantine Church of St. Peter in Kastania, Mani, and the Traditional Watermill in Agios Germanos, Prespes.

The winners of the award, considered Europe’s highest honour in the heritage field, were revealed by the European Commission and Europa Nostra. Independent expert juries assessed a total of 187 applications, submitted by organisations and individuals from 36 countries across Europe, and selected the winners.

The winners of the European Heritage Awards 2016 will be celebrated during a high-profile event co-hosted by EU Commissioner Navracsics and Maestro Plácido Domingo in Madrid at the end of May.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Navarino Challenge 2016 was completed leaving wonderful impressions!

Thousands of participants from Greece and abroad took part in the richest schedule of activities ever presented by an event!

Navarino Challenge 2016 completed successfully for a 4th consecutive year, confirming its title as the top sports tourism event in Greece, offering unique moments and creating great memories to each participant!

More than 2,000 amateur and professional athletes, friends of sports of all ages (according to the updated results - the oldest athlete was 82 years old), embraced the event by participating in more than 15 activities in Messinia and Costa Navarino from 9 to 11 September 2016.

Navarino Challenge attracted the global interest with participants coming from countries as USA, Canada, Australia, Britain, Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, South Africa, Ghana, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus. Meanwhile, bookings at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, ran extremely high during the weekend, on the occasion of the event, supporting thus the hotel & hospitality tourism and promoting Messinia as a destination worldwide.

For the third consecutive year, Navarino Challenge had the safety and dynamic support of Allianz Greece. The company which is sensitive to issues related to health care and supports reinforcing the message of health protection and the adoption of a healthier lifestyle through exercise and balanced nutrition, supported the event (with its numerous team). The company’s principles and values are inextricably linked with those of the organization.

On Friday, September 9, 2016, the schedule of Navarino Challenge included activities for those staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, such as: aqua aerobic lessons for all and baby swimming (for children up to 3 years old) with the support of Swim Academy, of the Federal Swimming Coach, Nikos Gemelos and the Silver medalist and World Champion in open water swimming, Spyros Gianniotis, TaeKwonDo lessons from the twice silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis (with the dynamic participation of the teams from Kyparissia, Kalamata and the whole region of Messinia) pilates lessons by the physical education instructor, specialized in pilates, Mandy Persaki, kick boxing lessons by the kick boxing champion Alexandros Nikolaidis, climbing lessons (by the certified climbing instructor of Navarino Outdoors, George Malamas) and a beautiful bike ride at Voidokilia -with the support of both activities from Navarino Outdoors. At the same time there was also a 4on4 basketball tournament (with the support of basketblog.gr) and the participation of Olympic medalists, champions, media groups and VIP guests of the event, golf clinics with the support of Navarino Golf Academy and scuba diving with the support of the Aqua Divers Club and Scuba Hellas. During the weekend, participating athletes quenched their thirst with the Natural Mineral Water "Vikos" that contributes to the well-functioning of the body during sports.

On Saturday, September 10, 2016 morning, the weather being an ally (on a sunny day), the whole activity of the event was transferred in the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, for the swim sports.

In the beautiful bay of Navarino at the picturesque port of Pylos, hundreds of friends of the sea had the opportunity to swim without competition, in the calm waters, covering the dreamy one mile (1.6 km) swimming route designed by Nikos Gemelos.

Meanwhile, the activity of Kids' Athletics was presented for the first time in Pylos Square by the ambassador of the event, the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles Periklis Iakovakis. The activity aimed at getting children acquainted with the track and field sports, as it has been developed and established by a special panel of scientists from IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) and is officially implemented in Greece by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Kids' Athletics included, among others, the activity of standing long jump, the sport of the world famous Olympic champion and legendary Kostis Tsiklitiras, who was born in Pylos Messinia.

For the third consecutive year, athletes and organizers moved with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of Navarino Challenge.

Right after, within the same day, a Stand Up Paddling race by BIC® Sport took place for the first time in the event!

With the support of one of the most recognized brands in the world, BIC® company, present in the field of water sports with BIC® Sport since 1979, participants were divided into groups of beginners and professionals, covering the half mile and one mile routes respectively at the port of Pylos. All athletes had the opportunity to test the credibility of the SUP BIC® boards. Stand Up Paddling was held with the support of Surf Salad!

Mediterranean diet was highlighted by the food blogger Gogo Papadionysiou also known as Mamatsita who made traditional lalagia & diples with the assistance of local women and the team of Poseidonia restaurant in Pylos. The Mayor of Pylos-Nestor, Mr. Dimitrios Kafantaris awarded Spyros Gianniotis, Kelly Araouzou and Nikos Gemelos and offered them a tour at the home of Tsiklitiras in Pylos.

The “sea-day” was concluded with a demonstration race with 25 Optimist and 3 big open boats from Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, the Sailing Club of Kalamata “Poseidon” and the Sailing Club of Kalamata “Eolos” with the assistance of the Municipality Pylos-Nestor, the Port Authority of Pylos, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development and Explore Messinia.

In the midday of Saturday, the action returned at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino! There, for the second consecutive year the boccia activity was presented, with the dynamic presence and support of the team of Allianz Greece (more than 90 people attended the demonstration of the sport). The ambassador and Gold Paralympic athlete of boccia, Grigoris Polychronidis greeted the event with its own private message, (as he was in Rio for the Paralympic Games), giving the pass for the demonstration of the sports to the athletes of the Greek boccia national team Christos Galaios (6th position in the European Championship) and Christos Kypriotis (Greek Champion) and the coach Jenny Rodiou and Evangelia Galaiou.

Saturday night ended in the most glittering and spectacular way, with the colors of the official airline partner of the event, Qatar Airways!

The cocktail “A Night to Remember by Qatar Airways”, was presented by the journalists Dimos Bouloukos and Dora Tsampazi. The evening moved into Swing, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Latin and Blues rhythms by Brandy Souare and included greetings, awards and many surprises for the honorees and high guests of the event.

The first award of the evening was given to the silver Olympic medalist and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis by TEMES S.A., Marketing & Business Development Director Mrs. Marina Papatsoni. The first surprise was announced, with the award of a set of business class airline tickets given to the silver Olympic medalist from the Commercial Director of Qatar Airways in Greece, Mr. Alexandros Michalopoulos. The World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou was then awarded by Vikos SA Sales & Marketing Director, Mr. Konstantinos Sepetas. The event continued with the award given to the Federal Swimming Coach, Nikos Gemelos by the Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Greece, Mrs. Philippa Michali and the award which was given to the team of Allianz World Run (with the presence of Gerosideri Charis and Kafantari Dora who participated in the global initiative) by the Chief Executive Officer of Active Media, Mr. Akis Tsolis. Two more surprises were hidden next, to celebrate the four years of the event. National Geographic Channel team was awarded by the Co-Founder of Navarino Challenge & Director of Development of The Hellenic Initiative, Mr. Peter Poulos for its four years of support to the event as TV Communication Partner. The Commercial Director of FOX Networks Group, Mrs. Nadia Demiri received the relevant award, while Vargiamidis family was awarded by the ultramarathon Dean Karnazes for the four years of continuous participation in Navarino Challenge.

Immediately after that, the activity “Like for a good cause” was presented -that ran recently for the five best photos of the event chosen by the people through social media- and its charitable cause was revealed for the first time. The photographs selected were converted into canvasses and now these works will be auctioned through Charity Idols, where all revenue generated will be given to the humanitarian non-profit Foundation of the Professor Afksendiyos Kalagkos, Coeurs pour Tous Hellas - Hearts for All, which supports children with congenital heart disease. The event was welcomed by the President of the institution Coeurs pour Tous Hellas, Mrs. Anna Grimani and the Executive Committee Member at the Department of Communication, Ms. Ioanna Moundrea.

Further, another set of economy class airline tickets was drawn by Qatar Airways to a lucky couple, while throughout the duration of the “Navarino Challenge” the top airline ran another contest to the participants of the event.

The evening ended with the award given to the ultra-marathon Dean Karnazes by the Marketing Director of Ford Motor Hellas, Mrs. Petri Logara.

Navarino Challenge promotes the value of “a healthy mind in a healthy body” and the spirit of “fair play” adopting the purpose of the Olympic Movement, supported by Olympic athletes and Champions who educate youth through sport, without any discrimination. At the same time, the athletes inform them about the benefits of exercise and the Mediterranean diet and prompt the audience to support the cause of the fight against childhood obesity. Overall more than 800 children were actively involved in all activities of the Navarino Challenge weekend of!

Navarino Challenge was also supported by the Navarino Icons products, Michael & Trianthe Dakolias, Village Cinemas, the Inbi restaurant, the New Hotel and Surf Salad.

The interest of the people, that surpassed all expectations with their participation, peaked on the third and last day of the event, on Sunday, September 11th 2016. Runners of all ages, starting from Navarino Dunes in Costa Navarino ran to Pylos beach, crossing Voidokilia beach for the first time and following the trail mapped out, back in Homer’s years, by Telemachus, Ulusses’ ’ son, trying to find his missing father. The start was given early in the morning for the top Half Marathon (21,1km) -with the participation of Greek-American ultramarathon Dean Karnazes- and the 10 km route, while the 5km run followed (for running and dynamic walking). The running activity ended amid countless smiles from children who participated in the 1km, with the support of the natural mineral water “Vikos”. Routes were designed and edited by the former marathon runner, holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias. The teams of Messiniakos and Akritas had a strong presence on the running and then also in the activity of Kids’ Athletics with the ambassador Periklis Iakovakis.

Food blogger Mamatsita, with her second in a row cooking challenge, undertook to revitalize and support the participants in running by offering them traditional Messinian food in Costa Navarino with the support of Posidonia Restaurant.

Navarino Challenge presented a great innovation with the Navarino Challenge chatbot!

The MPASS company participated for the first time in the event and contributed to its success by creating the Navarino Challenge chatbot. This is a global innovation since this is the first sports tourism chatbot that gave participants the opportunity to have, instantly, automatic personal updates on offers and events, by sending just one message in the official Facebook page of Navarino Challenge. The most important was that someone was able, for the first time, to receive automatically his finish time, in any route he participated with a personal message on Facebook messenger, by simply typing his BIB number.

Navarino Challenge was held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Department of Nutrition and-Dietetics of Harokopio University of Athens with the support of Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, as well as the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia. The event was included, for one more year, in the European Week of Sport with the #BeActive activity which is supported by the European Commission and the Greek General Secretariat of Sports.

The event was also assisted by the Health Runners Club of Messinia, ThaMa Restaurant, Alpha (Athlima SA), the Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Anazoe Spa Costa Navarino, 1morekm, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Diana “exoplizein” and Nargile while Vita N Travel was the official travel agent. The event was finally supported by the Hellenic Red Cross Sector of Samaritans, Rescuers and Lifeguards.

Official Sponsors: Allianz Greece, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water
Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Navarino Icons, Michael & Trianthe Dakolias, Village Cinemas, Poseidonia Restaurant, Inbi, New Hotel, Surf Salad
Assisted by: Health Runners Club of Messinia, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Aqua Divers Club, Scuba Hellas, Navarino Golf Academy, ThaMa Restaurant, Alpha (Athlima SA), Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Anazoe Spa Costa Navarino, 1morekm, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Apia, Diana “exoplizein”, Nargile
Official Travel Agent: Vita N Travel
Official Broadcaster: OTE TV
TV Communication Partner: National Geographic Channel

Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas