The educational institution “Hellenism of Anatolia – from the Aegean Sea to Pontos” (HA) will host its fourth consecutive educational exhibition as it explores the rich athletic heritage of Anatolian Hellenism specifically through the lens of organised sports clubs.

The exhibition, which will run from 19-29 May, is titled “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind – The Athletic Legacy of Anatolian Hellenism”.

The ten-day event will feature educational programs for school groups and community organisations, along with thematic workshops on history, culture, and sport.

It will explore the rich athletic heritage of Anatolian Hellenism, focusing on themes of displacement and refugeehood through the perspective of organised sports clubs.

These clubs either operated in Asia Minor before 1923 and then were re-established or founded in Greece by refugees from Asia Minor, including Pontos, continuing a strong tradition of athletic and cultural identity.

The official opening night will take place on 19 May, 7pm, and will feature John Anastasiadis as keynote speaker, a former professional footballer of Pontian descent who played with the Australian national team and PAOK FC during his career.

Symeon A. Ananiadis from Samsun, an honour student and accomplished track and field athlete, dreamed of studying medicine. In February 1921, he was arrested by the Turkish military authorities along with six other students, accused of participating in Anatolia College’s Greek literary club, “Pontos.” The military tribunal deemed the club a subversive organisation aiming to unite Pontus with Greece. In June of the same year, Symeon was hanged in Amasya. He was just 19 years old. Photo: Supplied

Diogenis Ainatzis, musician, artist, and author from Pella, Macedonia, will also speak on Pontian heritage.

The event will be held at the Lyceum of Alphington Grammar School and will include live music and a choir performance, with all welcome to attend.

The whole exhibition pays homage to the enduring spirit and resilience of Anatolian Greeks, who upheld their ideals and preserved their Hellenic values even amidst adversity and used sports (especially football) to foster community and unity to inspire hope and preserve the memory of their lost homelands.

Through curated displays, visitors will engage with the rich historical, athletic and cultural legacy of Anatolian Hellenism.

The exhibition is curated by Kostas Pataridis.

The exhibition, curated by Kostas Pataridis, is free of charge to schools and the general public on the following dates: 22 May and 27 May (5-7.30pm) and 24 and 25 May (11am-4.30pm)

HA noted that further information on the full schedule as well as inquiries on booking an educational program for your school or organisation can be sourced by contacting them at: hellenismofanatolia@gmail.com