Aftermath of Conference “International Peace Marathon – Kostis Palamas”

INTERNATIONAL PEACE MARATHON “KOSTIS PALAMAS” THROUGH THE CITIES OF MESOLONGHI – NAFPAKTOS – PATRAS WITH GLOBAL AND HISTORICAL IDEOLOGICAL RECOGNITION

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With great success, an important conference was held regarding the historic cities of Patras, Messolonghi, and Nafpaktos, with the participation of representatives of the cities, authorities, institutions, organizations, and chambers, aiming at the establishment of an International Peace Marathon “Kostis Palamas”, with the ambition of achieving international recognition and development.

The conference took place in the elegant hall “Gallery Odeio” of the Center of Culture and Olympism “Kostis Palamas”, which promotes Culture, Arts, and Olympism.

The Region was represented by Regional Councillor Mr. Lykiourgos Stavroulopoulos, and the Municipality by Mr. Spyros Krotis, who with enthusiasm and interest referred to the importance of the event, which highlights Patras, Messolonghi, Nafpaktos, and by extension Western Greece, as a destination of special cultural, historical, and touristic significance.

The participation of the representative of the Municipality of Messolonghi, Mr. Sotiris Farandos, as well as various organizations and federations, highlighted the necessity of organizing such a major event for the benefit of the promotion and development of our historic cities.

A warm greeting was also addressed by the representative of the Holy Metropolis of Patras, Reverend Father Konstantinos.

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KEYNOTE SPEECH

The speaker, Dr. Theodoros Mallias, in his impressive audiovisual presentation, emphasized the ideological dimension of the “Kostis Palamas Marathon”, highlighting the timeless and global symbols represented by the participating cities:

• Patras, as an International City of the Olympic Hymn and the Torch Relay
• Messolonghi, the Sacred City, whose Exodus symbolizes Freedom as the highest human value
• Nafpaktos, through the Naval Battle of Nafpaktos, symbolizing solidarity and unity among European Christian peoples against subjugation by the Ottoman Empire

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INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

A significant contribution to the promotion of the International Peace Marathon was the letters of support from cultural and social organizations of the United States (New Jersey, Patras Society of New York “Kostis Palamas”, Hellenic News of America, Hermes Expo International, Modern Greek Studies Foundation, American-Hellenic Council, Greek Heritage Society, Valianatos Council) and Canada (Hellenic Canadian Congress, Agouridis Toronto), addressed to the Regional Governor and the Mayors of Patras, Messolonghi, and Nafpaktos.

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HONORARY DISTINCTIONS

Representatives of participating bodies, including:

• Regional Council (Mr. Stavroulopoulos L.)
• Municipality (Mr. Krotis S.)
• Municipality of Messolonghi (Mr. Farandos S.)
• SEGAS technical representatives
• AEESGDE, architectural associations, AHEPA, and others

were awarded the commemorative album-book of the President of the Association of Fine Arts of Patras “Kostis Palamas”, Professor Dr. Theodoros Mallias, titled:

“Artists Create Culture”

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CONCLUSION

We express our hope for the support of the Region, Municipalities, and local institutions for the successful implementation of the International Peace Marathon “Kostis Palamas”.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee
Center of Culture and Olympism “Kostis Palamas”
Marathon Runners and Walkers Association “Phaethon”
Achaean Cultural Polytown “Marsyas”
International Olympic Initiative

The President of the Association of Fine Arts of Patras “Kostis Palamas”
Professor Dr. Theodoros Mallias