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- Ελληνικά
It is with emotion and gratitude that we commemorate and honour today the founders of the Association "Reading Room Hellenism" of Akaki, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its foundation. With dedication and love for Greece and Greek culture, these people founded an Association that draws light from the tradition and wealth of the Greek spirit. Their valuable contribution brings hope and knowledge to generations, renewing our ties with our roots and strengthening the Akaki community in these challenging times.
With the events of the Asia Minor catastrophe fresh in our minds, and with the high ideals of Hellenism as a beacon, in 1924 a small group of Akakians pioneered by Matthew Mavrommatis, who was a teacher, Cyprus Rossides, Hatzigiannis Chatziroussis, Christos Chatziotheofanous and Georgios A. Pelecanos decide to establish an Association and give it the name "Anagnostiristiri Hellenism". Warmed by life's experiences, these scavengers laid a solid foundation for the progress of the entire community. Since then, and for a century, the Association has been the reference point for the community.
The Association was founded to educate the youth of the Community, which at that time was providing hospitality to refugees from Smyrna and other areas of Asia Minor after their brutal uprooting. At the same time, Akaki's "Hellenism" was a vehicle for the more active participation of the youth of the community in the political, cultural and sporting life of the place. It was a core of learning for all those whose difficult circumstances of the time did not allow them to complete their schooling.
At the same time, following the wisdom and teachings of the ancient Greeks, the members of "Hellenism", restless spirits, did not limit themselves to the educational character of the Association. They created the Akaki Gymnastics Club, translating into practice the saying of our ancient ancestors "a healthy mind in a healthy body".
In the field of sports, the Association pioneered the creation in the 1960s of the football federation "The Heroes", bringing together teams from many communities of the wider region.
The football team of "Hellenism" through the decades has been a protagonist in the sporting events of the area. Particularly important is also the operation of football academies for children, cultivating in our children and young people the values of fair play, participation and teamwork.
At the same time, the Association's national activity has been memorable. Its members joined the ranks of EOKA with remarkable action throughout the region. During the Turkish occupation, the Association organized a militia of its members and, in cooperation with the security forces, undertook the maintenance of order, so that there were no incidents against Greek Cypriots or Turkish Cypriots. During the tragic events of the Turkish invasion, the Union paid a heavy price. Five of the nine residents of the community who fell fighting against the Turkish invader or are still missing are members of the Association.
The Association "Hellenism" Akaki is to this day an important nucleus of progress and development in a marginal rural area. The strengthening of rural communities and especially of the outlying communities is a priority for our Government. Our goal, among many others, is to reduce the phenomenon of homelessness, the effective support of the primary production sector, the economic development of our rural areas and the social cohesion of the countryside. Particularly in today's era of multiple daily challenges, supporting our outermost regions is a national objective of the utmost importance.
One hundred years since the foundation of the Akaki Hellenism Association, you have every right to feel proud of its successful course and its multi-level contribution in all sectors. Guided by the beliefs and principles of the pioneers we commemorate today, I am sure that with the same zeal you will remain protagonists in the sporting and social events of the local community and society at large, as the greatest sign of honour and respect to the legacy of your founding members.
I want to convey to you the Government's will to stand by you to strengthen your actions and work, with our common concern for the well-being of the residents of the community and the promotion of healthy role models for our young people and our society.
Eternal memory of its founders, Presidents, members and all its benefactors. The unchanging legacy they have left through their actions is a source of inspiration and recognition for all of us, but, most importantly, an obligation to continue on their path. Their eternal memory.
(PM/NZ/EP)
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