A tribute to our sporting legacy
The fourth educational exhibition by the Pedagogical Institute “Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean to Pontus” (HA), held as part of the annual commemorative ten-day programme from 19–29 May, is titled: A Sound Mind in a Sound Body – The Athletic Heritage of the Hellenism of Anatolia.
This is a heartfelt tribute to the Greek sporting legacy, exploring the refugee experience through the lens of organised sports clubs that either operated in Asia Minor and were re-established, or were founded in Greece after 1923 by the displaced Greeks of Asia Minor and Pontus.
The exhibition honours the dedication and resilient spirit of the Greeks of Anatolia who, even in the face of adversity, preserved the values and ideals of Hellenism.
It is a homage to the refugees who, despite the hardships and upheaval of forced displacement, laid the foundations for keeping alive the memory of their lost homelands and their people – choosing a path they knew would foster unity and inspire hope: sport, and in particular, football.
The exhibition aims to provide visitors with an opportunity to engage with both the tangible and intangible historical and cultural heritage of the broader region, through aspects that highlight the rich cultural legacy of Anatolian Hellenism.
During the ten-day tribute, educational programmes will be held for school groups and community organisations, along with themed workshops centred around history, culture, and sport.
The official opening will take place on Monday, 19 May at 7:00pm, with keynote speaker Giannis Anastasiadis, of Pontian descent – a distinguished former footballer for Australia’s national team and PAOK FC. In addition, musician and author Diogenis Ainatzis, from Pella in Macedonia, will speak about Pontian heritage. There will also be a choir and live music. All are welcome.
The exhibition will be hosted in the Lyceum Hall at Alphington Grammar School, 18 Old Heidelberg Road, Alphington. The venue is provided free of charge, as a kind offer by the Greek Community of Melbourne, the school, and Principal Dr Vivian Nikou.
The event is supported by:
Hellenic Football Federation (EPO), AEK FC, PAOK FC, Panionios GSS, Apollon Smyrnis FC, Merimna Pontion Kyrion Oceania, AHEPA Victoria, and the Greek School of Agii Anargyri, Oakleigh.
The exhibition will be open free of charge to schools during weekdays and to the general public on the following days:
- Thursday 22 May and Tuesday 27 May: 5:00pm – 7:30pm
- Saturday 24 May to Sunday 25 May: 11:00am – 4:30pm
For the full schedule of activities taking place at the exhibition, or to book an educational museum programme for your school or organisation, please contact the HA Institute via email:
hellenismofanatolia@gmail.com
For the Pedagogical Institute
“Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean to Pontus”
Coordinator: Giota Stavridou
Project Manager: Symela Stamatopoulou
