Dean Karnazes Completes his Biggest Run Yet

Greek American mega-marathon runner, Dean Karnazes, recently completed his greatest accomplishment yet: a cross-country run that literally took him from one end of the United States to the other. Karnazes, whose other feats include running 50 marathons in 50 days in each of America's 50 states, raised more than $175,000 to benefit Action for Healthy Kids, a non-profit organization to promote health awareness in America's youth.

Karnazes started his run on February 25 from Disneyland in California, and 75 days later, reached the studio of "Live! With Regis and Kelly" in Manhattan on May 10. In total, he had covered approximately 3,000 miles - running 40-50 miles per day! According to NPR, Karnazes' favorite moment of the run was, "Coming into the studio," he said, "coming in here, seeing my family, finally knowing I actually made it. So many days I was questioning it: Can it really be done?"

Karnazes is not only now an athletic superstar, but he is also the author of the book Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss. He also is a strong advocate of youth fitness programs and regularly promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Source and Photo Source: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=136170965

Learn Greek in Greece!

Learning a foreign language is always easier, faster, and more exciting when in the country of origin. Learning Greek is no different. Whatever your skill level or area of interest - ancient Greek, Biblical Greek, or modern Greek - there is a language learning program in Greece that is right for you! Learning to speak Greek in Greece may offer you an invaluable insight into modern everyday life in the country and its culture, as well as an opportunity to spend a few unforgettable weeks on a dreamy island.

University of Thessaloniki: The University of Thessaloniki offers year-round courses in Greek as a foreign language. The school offers courses in Greek language and culture to foreign students, as well as to students of Greek origin, who intend to study Greek in higher education institutions or to familiarize themselves with Greece's history and culture.

http://www.auth.gr/home/index_en.html

Culture Centre on Lesvos Island: Through its AEOLIS project, the Hellenic Culture Centre offers Greek language courses to foreigners. The institute organizes summer language courses on the island of Lesvos, which begin on June 13.

http://www.aeolis.edu.gr/lang-en/2009-01-15-11-35-58.html

"Alexander the Great" Language School: The "Alexander the Great" Hellenic Language School offers courses to foreigners with either business or scientific backgrounds. The school has branches in Thessaloniki and Chania in Greece, in Sophia and Plovdiv in Bulgaria, in Skopjie in FYROM, and Tirana, Albania. The school is active all throughout the year, and this year's summer school program in Greece begins on June 6.

http://www.alexander-edu.org/index_en.php

The Greek House in Athens: The Greek House in Athens is a center for Hellenic culture and language and offers classes and private lessons throughout the year.

http://www.greekhouse.gr/greek/

College Year in Athens and Paros Island: The College Year in Athens is a study-abroad program focused on Greek history and civilization, offering foreign students university-level courses on Greece and the eastern Mediterranean world.

http://www.cyathens.org/index.cfm

For even more opportunities to learn Greek in Greece, please visit: http://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/2011/05/special-issue-learn-greek-in-greece.html

Source: Greek News Agenda

Lecture: Special Olympics and Volunteerism

On Thursday, May 12, 2011, the Greek Embassy will be hosting a presentation given by the Leadership of Special Olympics International. The subject for the presentation will be the upcoming Special Olympics, to be held this summer in Athens. From June 25 to July 4, 7,500 Special Olympics athletes from 185 different nations will compete in 22 different events. The Special Olympic Games provide a forum for athletes with intellectual disabilities can realize and celebrate their accomplishments. Though ability levels vary among the participants, all are provided with the opportunity to grow and to appreciate their individuality.

The event will be held at the Embassy of Greece, 2217 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington D.C.

To RSVP to this event, please e-mail rsvpculture@greekembassy.org.

EU Open House and Europe Week: Events at the Embassy of Greece

On May 7, 2011, the Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the Embassies of the 27 EU Member States to the United States will open their doors to the Washington public during the EU Open House Day. This fifth annual event will also kick off Europe Week throughout the United States. On Saturday, May 7, 2011 the EU Delegation and each Embassy will be open to the public from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., offering a rare look inside the buildings and providing a unique opportunity to experience the country's cultural heritage and national traditions. Free shuttle bus service will be provided throughout the day with stops at embassies and select Metro stations.

The Greek Embassy will be joining in the festivities by hosting an open house, providing visitors with traditional music, delicious food, and fascinating documentaries to give them a taste of Greek culture. Greece has much to celebrate this year, from the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Marathon to the hosting of the Special Olympics in Athens this summer. In honor of the Special Olympics, the Greek Embassy is presenting a photo exposition featuring 20 years of Special Olympics images by photographer Richard Corman. Visitors can also view documentaries by Mecano Film Productions showcasing the beauty of Greece's countryside and islands.

It promises to be an exciting and informative day that you will not want to miss!