The Metaxas regime in Greece (1936-1941) placed a strong emphasis on athletics and sports, viewing them as essential tools for shaping the character and strength of the nation. Sports were not only seen as a means of improving physical fitness but also as a way to instill discipline, promote nationalism, and foster unity among the Greek population. This approach was deeply influenced by similar ideologies in other authoritarian regimes, particularly Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, where sports were integral to the promotion of state power and national pride.

Central to Metaxas’ vision for youth and sports was the creation of the National Youth Organization (EON) in 1936. EON served as the primary vehicle for implementing the regime’s athletic and ideological goals. It was designed to engage young people in activities that promoted physical fitness, discipline, and loyalty to the state. Boys were encouraged to participate in rigorous physical training that prepared them for future military service, while girls were also involved in sports, though their activities were more focused on gymnastics and exercises deemed suitable for their roles in society. Through EON, the regime sought to mold Greek youth into strong, healthy, and loyal citizens.

Sports events and competitions became a key feature of the regime’s public life. The government organized large-scale sporting events that were often accompanied by displays of national pride, including parades and ceremonies, most famously the ones held at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. These events were used to project the image of a strong and unified Greece, with a particular emphasis on the connection between modern athleticism and ancient Greek traditions. Metaxas’ regime glorified the ancient Olympic ideals, constantly invoking Greece’s classical past to inspire contemporary citizens. This link to antiquity reinforced the idea that modern Greece was the rightful heir to the achievements of its ancient ancestors, particularly in the realm of physical excellence.

In addition to organizing sporting events, the Metaxas government invested in the development of athletic infrastructure. New stadiums, sports facilities, and public spaces for physical activities were built or renovated, particularly in urban centers like Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras. This infrastructure development was part of a broader modernization program that aimed to enhance Greece’s image as a modern, capable nation. Sports were not just a private activity but a public display of the nation’s health and vitality.

The regime also encouraged Greece’s participation in international sporting events, such as the Olympic Games. These events provided an opportunity for Greek athletes to showcase their abilities on the global stage, demonstrating the strength and aptitudes of the Greek state. For the Metaxas regime, success in international sports was a reflection of national progress and a way to assert Greece’s place in the world.

Underlying much of the regime’s sports policy was a focus on mass participation. The government sought to involve as many citizens as possible, particularly the youth, in organized physical activities. Sports were viewed as essential not only for developing individual physical strength but also for fostering a collective sense of discipline and order. This was in line with the regime’s broader militarization of society, where sports and physical training were closely linked to military preparedness. For Metaxas, a physically fit and disciplined populace was key to the nation’s defense and future prosperity.

In summary, the Metaxas regime used sports as a powerful tool for social engineering. By promoting athletics through national youth organizations, public events, and infrastructure projects, the regime sought to create a physically strong, disciplined, and ideologically unified Greek society. Sports were closely tied to notions of national pride, military readiness, and the revival of ancient Greek ideals, all of which were central to Metaxas’ vision of modern Greece.

 

– Article by Andreas Markessinis