A Chance for Children of G.S. Anagennisi Pefkis
Athens 08/12/2025. The “Chance for Children” fairy tale by our professor Stathis Avramidis took the young athletes of G.S. Anagennisi Pefkis on a journey through various neighborhoods, teaching them the importance of solidarity, love and acceptance.
Yesterday afternoon we experienced something truly unique. On the occasion of the assignment we were given, the teaching of the fairy tale “A Chance for Children”, we visited G.S. Anagennisi Pefkis and spent our time in an exciting and meaningful way by offering new knowledge to our young friends. From the moment the children saw us, they reacted positively, as they already knew that their training session that day would not be like the others. We began by reading the fairy tale, not word for word, but in an interactive and enthusiastic way (changing our voices, moving around the space with different styles), while also asking questions in order to maintain the children’s interest.
From our very first questions, “Do you like swimming in the sea? Do you prefer the pool or the beach?”, we captured children’s attention. We continued with the Beach Flags event from lifesaving sport, which we adapted into a game, encouraging the young athletes who were unable to continue to applaud their teammates and cheer for them. Our presence at the stadium attracted the interest of both parents, who were waiting to pick up their children and the club’s coaches, from whom we had obtained prior approval. All the young athletes, without exception, wanted to take part in our activity (16 children, aged 9-11).
After the award ceremony and the photos that were taken, phrases such as “Can you tell us another story? Will you come again tomorrow? Miss, I would never push someone out of my group just because I don’t like their clothes” were heard. I believe they headed home full of excitement, and I would dare say a little more closely bonded with one another. In reality, however, those few hours were a challenge, a great lesson, and a warm embrace for us as well. We felt more responsible, more confident in ourselves, and more ready to take on a group of children.
The teaching was carried out within the firework of undergraduate studies at the School of Physical Education and Sport Science of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with the support of the National Public Health Organization. The educational material of the “Safe Greece” project was used, which is provided by the Hellenic Association of Sport Lifesaving with the support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Photos: Eleni Tsontaki.
