YMCA History
The history of YMCA Thessaloniki spans more than a century, beginning in 1918 when volunteers from the American YMCA arrived in the city to establish the “Homes of the Soldier.” These facilities provided food and entertainment to Greek and Allied military forces fighting on the Macedonian Front.
Shortly afterward, members of the American YMCA introduced basketball and volleyball to Greece. These sports were invented at YMCA Colleges in Massachusetts in 1891 and 1895, respectively.
In 1921, YMCA Thessaloniki was officially founded by prominent figures of the city, including Metropolitan Bishop Gennadios and the Prefect of Thessaloniki, N. Paraskevopoulos.
From its inception, the organization demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the community.
In the following years, YMCA Thessaloniki expanded its reach, touching more and more lives by developing organized structures to support those in need. Through its active engagement, the organization fostered a sense of security and stability within the local community.
However, the Metaxas dictatorship interrupted the activities of YMCA Thessaloniki.
In 1946, the organization regrouped and resumed its mission of public service. Over time, YMCA Thessaloniki has mobilized thousands of residents, expanding its presence through new branches and camps.
With a foundation of transparency, reliability, consistency, and stability, YMCA Thessaloniki has guided the daily lives of the local community and its youth into a new era. This rich history is, above all, a testament to the people of YMCA Thessaloniki.
A look back at our history
1918
The establishment of the “Homes of the Soldier” provided support programs for soldiers of the Allied forces on the Macedonian Front.
1921
YMCA Thessaloniki provided relief to refugees of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.
It launched the first camp in Agia Triada.
It introduced courses in foreign languages and accounting. Prominent residents of Thessaloniki founded YMCA Thessaloniki (Metropolitan Bishop Gennadios, Prefect of Thessaloniki N. Paraskevopoulos, and others) YMCA Thessaloniki brings basketball to Greece.1922
YMCA Thessaloniki aids refugees of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.
The first camp begins operating in Agia Triada.
It introduces foreign language and accounting tutoring programs.1924
Launch of the first Panhellenic camp in Saint John (Agios Ioannis), Pelion.
1926
The “Alitopedos” Protection Committee is established to care for and protect orphaned children (later becoming the Aristotle Foundation).
1927
Construction of the historic YMCA Thessaloniki building begins with contributions from Greeks of the diaspora. The fundraising campaign was led by Metropolitan Bishop Gennadios. The building was completed in 1934.
1938
The Metaxas dictatorship halts the operations of YMCA Thessaloniki.
1946
Reconstitution of the organization and the resuming of its activities.
1947
The first Night High School and the first professional School of Accountants are established in Thessaloniki.
1952
YMCA Thessaloniki provides accommodation to the Municipal Library of Thessaloniki.
1954
YMCA Thessaloniki establishes its first branch in Kalamaria.
1955
A Student Residence, “Student’s Shelter,” is established to support students from the provinces.
1960
Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras becomes the honorary president of YMCA Thessaloniki.
1962
The first nursery school of Thessaloniki is established.
1965
A School of Lifeguards and a kindergarten for children of working parents are established.
YMCA Thessaloniki provides housing for Belarusian refugees in the Harilaou region, in cooperation with the World Council of Churches.1972
The YMCA Thessaloniki camp in Agios Nikolaos, Halkidiki, becomes operational.
1975
Aid is provided to refugee camps in Larnaca, Cyprus.
1977
The 2nd branch of YMCA Thessaloniki opens in Menemeni (operates until 1984).
The first pan-European camp of the European YMCAs, named PHILIA, is held in Halkidiki.1978
A devastating earthquake strikes Thessaloniki. YMCA Thessaloniki provides support services to the camps for earthquake victims. The “Student’s Shelter” is permanently closed.
1980
The mobile camp in Pindos begins operations.
1981
Tennis courts are built at YMCA Thessaloniki.
1983
The indoor heated swimming pool is constructed, and the Folklore Dance Group of YMCA Thessaloniki is established.
1986
A cooperation protocol is signed with the therapeutic community KETHEA “Ithaki.”
1988
Expansion of the facilities at the YMCA branch in Kalamaria.
1989
YMCA Thessaloniki establishes its 2nd branch in Asvestochori.
A new camping program begins at the Nymfaio Camp Center.1991
YMCA Thessaloniki launches a support program for the re-establishment of YMCAs in Balkan countries.
A 4-year Youth Leadership Training School begins for 400 children from the city.
Signing of the second cooperation protocol with the therapeutic community KETHEA “Ithaki” and allocation of space on Tsimiski Street for the cultural cafe “CHROMA.”1992
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew becomes the Honorary President of the Greek YMCA.
Launch of a program in collaboration with the school for repatriated students.1993
The General Assembly of the European YMCAs is organized in Thessaloniki.
A training program for youth leadership from Balkan countries begins.
The first Adventure Track in Greece is constructed at the Halkidiki camp.1994
The Pan-European camp “PHILIA” is held in Agios Ioannis, Pelion.
Foundation of a Mountain Educational Camp center by YMCA Thessaloniki in Nymfaio, Florina.1995
Completion and operation of the first two cabins at the Nymfaio Camp Center with sponsorships from the Boutaris family and the Bank of Macedonia-Thrace.
Commencement of the celebration of 100 years of the Olympic Committee with a joint meeting of the Board of Directors of YMCA Thessaloniki and the European Olympic Academy (E.O.A.).
Visit of the E.O.A. to the Nymfaio Camp Center.
Establishment of a network between YMCA Thessaloniki, Gabrovo (Bulgaria), and Bucharest under the title “Young Democrats,” funded by the PHARE/TACIS Democracy Program.1996
Inauguration of the new building extension at the Asvestochori branch of YMCA Thessaloniki.
Celebration of 75 years of YMCA Thessaloniki.
Commencement of work on the utilization of YMCA Thessaloniki’s real estate and creation of portfolio.1997
Youth Leadership Training School conference on “Volunteers and Volunteerism in the 21st Century,” featuring Mr. Dolf Weder, General Secretary of YMCA Europe.
Launch of the 3rd village (Kanastreo—3 houses) at the Halkidiki camp.
Renovation of the “Avlaia” Theater.
YMCA Thessaloniki receives an award from the Academy of Athens for its 75 years of work (30.12.97).
Start of operations at the Work Physiology and Training Documentation Station.1998
YMCA Thessaloniki forms a partnership with the YMCAs of Buffalo and Rochester, NY, USA.
Dedication of Saint Anthony Chapel at the Halkidiki Camp.1999
Visit of the YMCA Thessaloniki Music and Dance Group to Buffalo, participating in festive events organized by the Orthodox Church of the Greek diaspora (May 1999).
Celebration of 75 years of the Pelion camp.
Construction of a winter lodge at Kanastreo, Halkidiki.2000
Construction of masonry and roofing for the main building at the Nymfaio Camp Center.
Installation of a wooden floor in the YMCA Thessaloniki Kalamaria gym.
Visit of the President of the Republic, Mr. Konstantinos Stefanopoulos, to the Nymfaio Camp Center.
10-year celebration of the Asvestochori branch of YMCA Thessaloniki.2001
Signing of a contract with a consortium for the development of YMCA Thessaloniki’s facilities.
Completion of 80 years of YMCA Thessaloniki with various events, including:Χανθening.gr, organized by the Youth Leadership Training School and the Public Relations Committee (two days of activities for young people at YMCA Thessaloniki’s facilities and a concert with Tsaknis and Mahairitsas at the Thessaloniki International Fair).
Participation in the premiere of “Carmen” at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall.
Departure of the municipal library from YMCA Thessaloniki (January 2001) and the opening of new gyms on the 2nd floor.
30th anniversary celebration of the Halkidiki Camp with a photo exhibition and a three-day celebration in Halkidiki.
Completion of the double cabin at the Nymfaio Camp Center.
2002
Foundation of our new facilities, which include an indoor sports arena with 1,500 seats, a multipurpose complex, outdoor sports facilities, and an underground parking lot with 1,000 spaces.
2003
Foundation of the new YMCA Thessaloniki facilities by the Minister of Culture, Mr. Evangelos Venizelos (23/11/03).
The EAY, in collaboration with YMCA Thessaloniki, organizes the Balkan Regional Leadership Training II in Thessaloniki, with 45 new youth leaders from YMCAs in Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM, Romania, and Greece participating.
First Balkan camp at the Nymfaio Camp Center, featuring young leaders from Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM, Romania, and Greece.2004
80th anniversary of the Pelion Camp.
2005
A catastrophic fire destroys the Avlaia Theater and the roof of the building from the Tsimiski side (22/09).
A concert by Antonis Remos at Palais des Sports (20/12), with proceeds supporting the restoration of the Avlaia Theater.
Launch of the first Hellenic Abroad Hospitality Program at the Pelion Camp, in collaboration with the Municipality of Mouresi (25/08-14/09).
Establishment of Modern Pentathlon, Tae Kwon Do, and Women’s Basketball teams.
Promotion of the Handball team to the A1 National Division.2006
Reception of the Sports Center of YMCA Thessaloniki and the surrounding area (19/05).
Completion of the restoration of the listed building’s roof, which was severely damaged in the fire of September 22, 2005.
Construction of the 3rd village (Kanastreo) at the Halkidiki Camp, including a staff house, WC & shower, dining room extension, and gas installation.
Pan-European Volleyball Championship at our new sports facilities from 19-21/05, with 200 athletes from Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Ukraine, and Greece participating.2007
Transfer of 40 acres hosting the YMCA Thessaloniki camp in Nymfaio from the community of Nymfaio (March 13).
Approval of the Employment Support Action for the Unemployed through NGOs – 1st cycle, starting May 21, 2007, through May 21, 2008, funded by the Ministry of Employment & Social Protection. Six employees were hired under the scheme.2008
Approval of the Employment Support Action for the Unemployed through NGOs – 2nd cycle, March 1 – December 31, 2008, funded by the Ministry of Employment & Social Protection. Three employees were hired under the scheme.
Publication of a Newsletter to inform our members via electronic means in a timely manner.
Christmas Party – with decoration of the building by Floris Special Events.
Organization of a series of seminars on various topics for the residents of our city as part of the social outreach of YMCA Thessaloniki by the Public Relations department.
Participation of Martha Matsis in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.2009
85-year anniversary of Pelion camp – celebrations with “Mamma Mia” at the Pelion camp.
Meeting of Mediterranean YMCAs in Pelion through the ‘Youth in Action’ program with participants from Lebanon, Malta, Italy, and Greece (August 27 – September 6).
Completion of the reconstruction of the ‘Avlaia’ theater.
Amendment of the Statute of YMCA Thessaloniki.
New organizational chart for regular staff of YMCA Thessaloniki.2010
Amendment of the Committees’ Internal Regulations of Operation.
Amendment of the Internal Organization.
Signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Philanthropic Brotherhood of Men of Thessaloniki and commissioning of the construction study for the new building at the Asvestochori branch.
Construction of 2 tents for the Youth Leadership Training School at the Pelion Camp.2011
YMCA Thessaloniki conference on “YMCA Changes – Designing the Future”.
Construction of a new clinic, the 3rd tent for the Youth Leadership Training School, and extension of the Directorate at the Pelion Camp.
Construction of the 4th tent for the Youth Leadership Training School at the Halkidiki Camp.
4-day celebration for the 40th anniversary of the Halkidiki Camp.
Completion of the underground Boiler Room for the Central Building and the Avlaia Theater.
Construction of the Fire Pit at the Nymfaio Educational Center.
Restoration of the rear view of the Central Building of YMCA Thessaloniki.
Naming of the New Sports Center as YMCA Thessaloniki Sports Center “Mimis Tsikinas”.2012
Announcement of the re-opening of the Avlaia Theater after the fire.
Assignment of the construction project for the Asvestochori Branch.
Signing of a contract with the Management Authority and Neofit Rilski University in Blagoevgrad for the Interreg program, which included the construction of the Basketball Museum.
Organization of a Sports Day.
Purchase of a plot of 1,624.64 sq.m at the Pelion Camp.
First Christmas concert of the Greek Orthodox Church held at the “Mimis Tsikinas” Sports Center.
Inaugural Sailing Camp.2013
Holding of an Action Day, celebrating Volunteering and Social Contribution.
Inauguration of the YMCA Thessaloniki Basketball Museum.
Purchase of Land at the Pelion Camp from the National Council.
Christmas Concert held in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Church.2014
Presentation of the Historical Album “90 Years of History” of Pelion Camp.
Celebration of the 90th anniversary of Pelion Camp.
Holding of the 1st Mobile Training Camp in Pelion.
Successful Christmas Concert by the Greek Orthodox Church for the 2nd consecutive year.
Launch of the Backpacking Camp Program (“Pelion Adventure”).2015
Digitization of the historical archive of YMCA Thessaloniki through the NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework) program.
Recognition of the Basketball Museum by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).2016
Signing of a cooperation protocol with the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
Signing of a cooperation protocol with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and local agencies for a refugee reception program.2017
Organizes the first camp for refugees families at Nymfaio Camp Center, Florina.
2018
Launches the first bilingual educational program for children of refugee and native families – DIA-drasis Program.
2019
Celebrates 100 years of Basketball and Volleyball in Greece.
Inaugurates the expansion of the Basketball Museum, with President of the Republic Mr. Prokopis Pavlopoulos in attendance.
Announces entry into disabled sports with the creation of a wheelchair basketball team.
Organizes the 1st Panhellenic Music Competition-Tassos Pappas.
Establishes an informal network of Civil Society Organizations.2021
Celebrates 100 years of life and activity.
The School of Dance is officially recognized.
Reopens the Nursery.2022
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visits YMCA Thessaloniki and gives his blessing on May 25.
Reopens the camp program at YMCA branches in America.