Greece

UMES Department of Kinesiology’s Historic Journey to Greece: Embracing Olympism and Cultural Heritage
UMES Becomes the First HBCU at the International Olympic Academy
Written by UMES Students Kaitlyn Eaton, Victoria Casteel, Neah Shaw, and Ryon Banks

Olympia: The Birthplace of the Olympic Games
Our journey through Greece began in Olympia, a place rich with historical significance and cultural insights. We arrived at the International Olympic Academy (IOA), the main educational and cultural institution of the International Olympic Committee, to begin our conference, “Olympism in Action: Champions of Change,” hosted by the Department of Kinesiology and led by Dr. Alexis Lyras. Over the course of five days, we learned how the Olympic ideals not only served as a foundation for the Olympic games but also formed the building blocks of peace, democracy, health, and humanity as we know it today. We stayed in the IOA dormitories and became the first HBCU to be hosted by them since it opened.

At the conference, we had lectures from Dr. Eric Langenbacher at Georgetown University, where we explored the nuances of collective memory and its impact on collective identity and societal trends. We developed strategies to tackle pressing community issues using a structured five-step process: presenting our identities and specific challenges, brainstorming potential solutions, evaluating realistic actions, and identifying how others could support our vision. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore team proposed their “Olympism for Humanity” plan to address health education within their local community through exercise. UMES students presented on organizing a field day event to educate children about health resources in the community, making it related to the Olympic games to facilitate engagement.

Additionally, we visited the Olympic Games archaeological site, marveled at the Temple of Zeus, and explored the training grounds used by ancient Greek athletes. We also visited museums to see the Winged Nike of Victory. This historical exploration was complemented by various recreational activities during our free time, including sports, trips to the town of Olympia, hiking up Kronos Mountain, and a celebration dinner on our last day at a hotel resort.

Trizonia: Experiencing Greek Island Life
On our last day at IOA, Dr. Lyras surprised us with a day trip to the island of Trizonia. We gathered on the bus at 7 am and enjoyed the scenic views of the mountains and lakes as we traveled. The bus pulled into the dock, and we boarded a charming small boat just big enough for our entire group. The water in Trizonia was incredibly cold but clear, surrounded by pebbles. We couldn’t resist the chance to swim and tan on the beach. Afterward, we relaxed on lawn chairs, soaked up the sun, and fed the stray cats. We finished the day with a Greek lunch and ice cream before continuing our trip to Delphi.

Delphi: Home of the All-Knowing Oracle
As we arrived in Delphi, we were greeted with scenic hills and mountains. We started at the Museum of Delphi, which housed the archaeological site of Delphi. Our tour guide provided us with a deeper understanding of Greek mythology and the Oracle of Delphi, which delivered prophecies from the Greek god Apollo. We walked around the Oracle of Delphi and visited the Treasury, amphitheater, and gymnasium. We also visited the ruins of the Temple of Athena, a tranquil space for rest and reflection. This segment of the journey fostered camaraderie among us, strengthening our bonds and creating lasting relationships within our new network of colleagues and friends. On the last day, we had a lavish dinner with the former mayor of Delphi, Mr. Panayiotis Kaltsis, after exploring the contemporary museums of Delphi.

Athens: The Parthenon and the Symbol of Democracy
Athens, our final destination before returning home, left a lasting impression with its vibrant energy and bustling atmosphere. The adventure in Athens began with the fascinating spectacle of the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square. We explored iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, immersing ourselves in the rich history and culture of the ancient city. The Acropolis of Athens housed the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea gate, and the Erechtheion temple, all dedicated to the Goddess Athena. The Parthenon was where the first known democracy started in the world around the fifth century B.C. Beyond major sightseeing attractions, we found joy in the smaller everyday aspects of life in Athens, such as the unique differences between Greek stores and those back home. The trip culminated in a memorable final dinner, where we shared delicious food, reflected on our journey, and discussed our aspirations for the coming year.

As we returned to UMES, we carried with us not just the memories of this extraordinary trip but also a renewed sense of purpose. The lessons learned and the bonds forged will undoubtedly influence our future endeavors, driving us to continue championing the ideals of Olympism in our community. This journey was more than a trip; it was a pivotal chapter in our lives, one that will inspire us to strive for excellence, inclusivity, and positive change in everything we do.

Student Testimonials

Kaitlyn Eaton, Exercise Science Freshman
“Our trip to Greece gave me access to a wonderful group of people both from my community and across the world, who helped me to bring the concerns that I had to light and conceptualize effective solutions. Learning about the foundations of the Olympics allowed me to understand the true scope of Olympic ideals and how they have the potential to reach further than just the games. Visiting the ancient ruins allowed me to draw extra inspiration from the ancient myths and culture that make the games and ideals so important. Going to Greece also gave me some much-needed cultural experience, an opportunity I likely would have never had otherwise.”

Neah Shaw, Exercise Science Freshman
“What stood out to me most during the entire trip was the natural beauty. I loved gazing at the mountains, the water, and the diverse plants that grow in Greece. Another part of the trip I enjoyed was presenting the program the UMES team came up with. It was fun coming up with the idea and being able to share it with others.”

Victoria Casteel, Biology Freshman
“My personal experience in Greece was very unique to me as this was my first time being outside the US. When we were in Delphi, the students hung out for hours playing games, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. This was my favorite memory throughout my Greece journey, where I understood the simple pleasures in life and how they can create this extraordinary experience. I am incredibly thankful to the Olympics for Humanity Alliance and UMES for allowing me to embark on this journey outside of my major and granting me the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Ryon Banks, Exercise Science Senior
“We toured ancient temples along with museums filled with artifacts restored from each archaeological site in Olympia, Delphi, and Athens. The most impactful part of the trip was on the last day, where we sat on top of a hill overlooking the Parthenon, sharing stories about our experiences and what we gained from the trip. There were many hilarious and sentimental moments as we watched our last sunset in Greece. Overall, I really enjoyed my first experience out of the country—thanks to UMES!”