THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

All the meals served during the Symposium will be based on the Mediterranean diet:The Mediterranean diet is a modern nutritional recommendation based on the dietary patterns of Greece, Southern Italy, France and Spain in the 1940s and 1950s. The principal aspects of this diet include proportionally high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits, and vegetables, moderate to high consumption of fish, moderate consumption of dairy products (mostly cheese and yogurt), moderate wine consumption, and low consumption of non-fish meat products.
There is evidence that the Mediterranean diet lowers the risk of heart disease and early death. Olive oil may be the main health-promoting component of the diet. There is preliminary evidence that regular consumption of olive oil may lower all causes of mortality and the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and several chronic diseases.

In 2013, UNESCO added the Mediterranean diet to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of Italy (promoter), France, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Croatia.[10][11] It was chosen because “The Mediterranean diet involves a set of skills, knowledge, rituals, symbols and traditions concerning crops, harvesting, fishing, animal husbandry, conservation, processing, cooking, and particularly the sharing and consumption of food.” (Wikipedia)

MEDICAL CARE – INSURANCE

During the Symposium 2 doctors (1 paediatrician and 1 cardiologist) will be available to provide their services if needed. All the participants will be insured.

THE GROUP COORDINATOR

The e-mail with the confirmation of the participation and the information about the Symposium (Program, Accommodation details etc.) will also provide communication data of the Organizer Coordinator responsible for the group, such as: Name, e-mail address, mobile number and room number in the hotel. The participants will meet the Coordinator on their arrival in Olympia. Please feel free to contact this person before or after the arrival for any matter regarding the Symposium.

Weather

The spring temperatures that Greece sees in March, April and May bring even warmer temperatures as the year goes on. The average temperature this month is 15°C (59°F), while the average low is 11°C (52°F), and the average high increases to 19°C (66°F). The beginning of April starts off with mostly sunny days, with a small chance of rain, and an average daily temperature of 13°C (55°F). The middle of the month brings more sun, less rain, and the average daily temperature rises to 14°C (57°F). The end of April follows the same pattern, as there is even less rain, more sunny days, and a jump in the average daily temperature to 16°C (61°F). The lowest ever recorded temperature in Athens in April is 3°C (37°F), while the highest ever recorded temperature is 27°C (81°F).

Along with the warmer weather spring brings, it also brings much more sun. The average daily sunshine in April is nine hours, which is an increase of three more hours from March. Coinciding with more sun is less rain. The average amount of rainfall in April drops to 40mm, occurring over the span of just six days. With the increase in sunshine and a decrease in rain, the chance of you experiencing a rainy day during your visit to Athens is minimal.

Higher temperatures and more sun help to warm up the sea, as the average sea temperature in April climbs to 16°C (61°F). This is still fairly cool water that renders it hard to stay in for extended periods of time. However, it can be the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Although April brings warmer weather, the humidity does not increase with the temperature. The average humidity this month is 65%, which is a decrease of 5% from March. This is a comfortable level that will be unnoticeable, even on hotter days.

CLOTHES

The visit of the historical monuments and places in Ancient Olympia are in a close, walking distance to the hotels. Since there is always a possibility of rain, it is highly recommended that the attendants of the Symposium – teachers and students – bring along proper clothing and umbrellas.

STUDENTS’ FAMILIES ATTENDING

The Symposium is not open to the public. However, students’ families are welcome to attend an event/activity of the Symposium (e.g. ARXAIWN THEATRO) under the following circumstances:The Symposium is not open to the public. However, students’ families are welcome to attend an event/activity of the Symposium (e.g. ARXAIWN THEATRO) under the following circumstances:

• The student is a member of the performing group
• The capacity of the theatre permits additional attendees

In such case, the names of the students’ families should be given to the Coordinator from the students’ teachers via e-mail during their communication and data exchange AFTER the participation form has been submitted.

Please notice:

• No one will enter the event without having prior given his name to the Organizers
• The Organizers are not under any circumstances responsible for the transfer and the accommodation of the students’ families
• The entrance for the students’ families to the event is free

Location