The true meaning and benefits of amateur sports
We learn from a young age that Panathinaikos is a “Σύλλογος μεγάλος, δεν υπάρχει άλλος” - as found in our hymn lyrics, stating our club’s dynamism – in all sports.
Following the team closely makes one discover even more characteristics and virtues. Panathinaikos is a club that represents ideals that are interwoven with ancient Greek culture and the Olympic spirit. Interwoven with Greece itself.
The name alone reminds us of the ancient Athenian (meaning the whole of Attica) festivity which was considered the biggest event of the year, the Panathinea. An event which was regarded by the Athenians as high as the Olympics. The Panathinea were devoted to Goddess Athena and were divided into the minor (annually) and major (quadrennial) Panathinea. The Panathinea was not only a sporting event but also a cultural one, as there were competitions around music, athletics, equestrian and sailing. Some of these events were the Pentathlon, Wrestling, Pankration and Boxing.This sporting and cultural festival raised Greek ethos, and promoted Hellenic ideals and principles. Principles in which modern athletics owe their very existence, and which helped sports reach a great level of competition and interest.
Our athletic club carries an iconic name so it’s logical to honor its history and have a great interest in sports that are not as commercial. Since its creation, Panathinaikos has had departments for many sports like, Archery, Fencing, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Shooting, Cycling, Athletics(track&field), Boxing and many more.These historical departments make up the Panathinaikos Athletics Club, the ‘μάνα του λόχου’ of the entire club. It is the backbone of the club and one of the reasons why Panathinaikos is truly great. The titles won by the amateur (non-professional) departments, according to some sources, have exceeded 1000, a huge number which gives Panathinaikos a legendary status in world sports.
The importance of these departments is not in the number of trophies won though. It lies in educating our young athletes as well as showing them the great Hellenistic and Panathinaikos way of life with all its ideals and principles. Respecting the opponent, fair play, sportsmanship, the will to win fairly are only a few of the ideals that the Panathinaikos coaches want to teach their young athletes who will eventually grow up being not just very good competitors in their chosen sport, but more importantly, respectable contibuting members of Greek society.
In these difficult times for Greece, financially as well as socially, what can be more important than bringing up a new, respectfull generation, relieved from the bad traits and habits of the neo-Greek. A new generation that will restore the Olympic spirit, the Panathinea spirit and the spirit of the ancient Greeks. It seems like the only salvation for Greece in these trying times.
Unfortunately, these departments are paying a heavy price for the general decline that sports have endured. Currently sports are prioritized by the funds they can bring in from sponsorships, marketability and perhaps fashion. Many of these departments are struggling to exist and they are doing everything they can to stay active. Coaches and athletes of all ages are trying to overcome enormous difficulties and obstacles so that they can proudly wear the green shamrock on their jersey. To show that moral values and principles exist even today and will exist forever, as long as there are clubs like Panathinaikos to promote them.In the hearts and bodies of our ‘Ερασιτέχνης’ coaches and athletes, we see a reflection of our Greek ancestors’ souls, the people that have contributed more than anyone else in the evolution of global civilization.
In conclusion, we would like to state that we, as Panathinaikos Supporters Abroad, will do everything possible to help ‘Ερασιτέχνης’ Panathinaikos continue its existence and its role in producing and promoting a culture of ethics and sportsmanship. This way, we not only help the club we love, but the Greek nation as well .
We will always stand proudly by their side.
Sincerely,
Panathinaikos Supporters Abroad
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