Aegean Team – 31 Years of Continuous Contribution & Solidarity: 

The 31st Aegean Sea Crossing begins, 8–18 May 2025

Kimolos – Thirasia – Ios – Amorgos – Kinaros – Iraklia – Schinoussa – Koufonisi

Lagonisi, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 –  For 31 years now, a small group of inspired people who have become a large group of volunteers with a common vision and values, take to the sea every May, charting a path of giving, solidarity and love, not as a simple journey, but on a mission centered on people. 

The Aegean Team sets sail, for another year, for the 31st Crossing, to travel approximately 350 nautical miles into a 8 Aegean islands - from Kimolos to Koufonisi – with one and only purpose: to stand by every resident of the small and remote islands of the Aegean, with essential care and practical love. 

From the 8 to 18 May 2025, the sea will once again become the channel of this selfless mission, with the 31^ο A cruise starting from Lagonisi and ending in Koufonissi, passing through Kimolos, Thirasia, Ios, Amorgos, Kinaros, Iraklia and Schinoussa. 

With more than 120 volunteers, 13 inflatable boats and the support vessel "MONTH FIVE", The Aegean Team will sail to reach islands that often feel forgotten, but which are not. Because those who embrace them every year, never forget them. 

High-Quality Medical Care

Distinguished doctors from 18 different specialties, nurses and specialized paramedical staff will offer high-level medical services with the latest technology portable diagnostic equipment.  

Medical Specialties Alphabetically: Radiologist, Gastroenterologist, Gynecologist, Dermatologist, Cardiologist, Oncologist (Breast Clinic), Dentist, Orthopedician, Urologist, Ophthalmologist, Internist, Pediatrician, Pulmonologist, Rheumatologist, General Surgeon & Plastic Surgeon, Psychiatrist and ENT. 

With state-of-the-art portable equipment and specialized medical teams, examinations will be performed, and Breast clinics and Post-COVID, while for the first time it will a pioneering preventive (hematological, molecular, genetic) test for colon cancer was conducted under the guidance of a Gastroenterologist and Oncologist, in collaboration with IQ GenomixAll of this is done free of charge, with sensitivity and respect.  

The action is enriched by the network of collaborations with scientific societies and organizations such as, for another year, utilizing in practice the new and existing memorandums of cooperation, with most Scientific Societies, Clinics and specialized AMKE. We thank their members who will be with us, from: Hellenic Pulmonary Society, the Hellenic Cardiological Society (EKE), the Hellenic Rheumatological Society (ERE), the Hellenic Dermatological and Venereological Society (EDAE), the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society, the Hellenic Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, the Hellenic Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Hellenic Society for the Study of Bone Metabolism, the Hellenic Red Cross as well as the Animal Protection Secretariat of the Ministry of the Interior, with which the Group recently signed a memorandum of cooperation. It also maintains permanent cooperation with the Hellenic Anti-Cancer Society and with 2 Clinics of the University of Athens, the XNUMXnd Gynecology - Obstetrics Clinic, Aretaeio Hospital, Prof. N. Vlachos and the XNUMXst Surgery Clinic, Laiko Hospital, Prof. Ev. Felekouras.

Always by the Aegean Team's side is the HOPEgenesis, as a stable and valuable ally of the Aegean Group, offering substantial support in one of the most sensitive areas, the treatment of low birth rates, strengthening the maternity and health of women on small and remote islands. Through its pioneering program, HOPEgenesis fully covers the pregnancy and childbirth expenses, movement and accommodation for women who wish to bring a child into the world, but face obstacles due to geographical isolation and lack of medical infrastructure.

Project Implementation & Delivery of Support Materials

Under 31^th Diaplou, the Aegean Team will proceed with significant interventions and deliveries of infrastructure and equipment projects, aiming to improve the daily lives of residents:

• Delivery and official inauguration of "Doctor's House" in Koufonissi.
• Place free access ramp to the sea for people with disabilities at Livadi beach Schinoussa.
• Place flagpoles in Kimolos and Koufonisi.
• Symbolic visit of the Team's team to its fully renovated home Lady Rini in Kinaros.
• Renovation and modernization of playground in Amorgos.
• Place four outdoor seats (benches) in the courtyard of the Elementary School Amorgos.
• Delivery modern logistical equipment in schools   Thirassia  Amorgos and Koufonisi.
• Delivery books and pro-life manuals to all schools on the islands of the Diaplos and key chains with NFC technology to municipalities and teachers.
• Delivery food for stray animals on all the islands of the crossing from Viozois.

This year, however, is a little more special than the previous ones. The favorite of all travelers, Mrs. Irene Katsotourhi – known to all as Lady Rinio of the border of Kinaros – since last autumn he has been living in a fully renovated, modern and weatherproof house. This is the most comprehensive and substantial renovation that has been carried out to date in her home, a project that was implemented at the initiative of the Aegean Group and with the support of Motor Oil, within the framework of the program "CARE». A project that was not intended to impress, but to meet a real need – to offer safety, warmth and dignity to an emblematic figure of the Aegean.

Educational & Outreach Initiatives: Investing in Knowledge and Empowering Island Societies

Within the framework of the 31st Aegean Group Cruise, targeted educational and informational actions have been planned, which enhance knowledge, encourage inclusion and promote health and social sensitivity:

• First Aid Seminars for students of all levels (Kindergarten to High School), with experiential training from the experienced nurses and trainers of the Hellenic Red Cross, Mrs. Anna Doulami and Amalia Lentzis.
• Parent Advisory Meetings Kindergarten and Primary School students with clinical psychologist Ms. Dimitra Zafeira, at Wax and Virus, with the aim of strengthening the parental role and psychosocial support for children.
• Diversity Awareness Activity: Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students in Wax will participate in a unique experience of getting to know a school for the deaf and blind, under the guidance of Ms. Dimitra Zafeira.
• Special Speech on the European Union: The diplomat and official of the European External Action Service, Mr. Symeon Kelentzis, will present the topic "Amorgos and the Lydian Stone of the European Union" to 3rd grade and EPAL students in Amorgos.
• Informational Presentations about HOPEgenesis, which highlight the work and prospects of the maternity support program, will be held in Wax and Amorgos.
• Speech on the Theme "Breaths in the Aegean" by Professor of Pulmonology Ms. P. Katsaounou, with the aim of providing information on the prevention and care of respiratory health, in Virus.

Cultural Events: Music, Theater and Magic in the Aegean Islands

In the context of the 31st Cruise, the Aegean Team offers unique moments of culture and entertainment to young and old, through a rich program of events:

• Island Evening in Amorgos, with the great violinist Nikos Economidis and Kyriaki Spanou, in a celebration of traditional music that will unite voices and hearts.
• Interactive Theater Performance for Children, also in Amorgos, which promises laughter, imagination and participation.
• Children's Cinema Nights in Kimolos, Ios and Schinoussa, for magical cinematic experiences under the stars.
• An Afternoon of Magic and Laughter in Koufonissi, with surprises that will captivate the children's audience and beyond.

Environmental Actions

• Educational webinar on environmental awareness to the students of Amorgos Primary School, in combination with a cleaning action on Agios Pavlos beach, in collaboration with the organization "All For Blue".

Animal Welfare Initiatives (under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior)

A Memorandum of Cooperation for joint actions was recently signed with the Special Secretariat for Animal Protection of the Ministry of the Interior. 

• Online pro-life courses for students of all the islands, in collaboration with the NGO "Zo.ES."
• Seminar for all teachers, on the topic "Animal welfare through practical applications" in collaboration with the Special Secretariat for Animal Protection of the Ministry of the Interior.
• Personnel training Municipalities and Communities, Police Departments and Animal Welfare Organizations, for the new Animal Registry.
• Award from the Municipality of Ietas for the completion of the program ZERO STRAY ACADEMY and for creation of an animal shelter.

The President of the Aegean Group, Denise Tsimi, meaningfully notes: “We never feel alone on this journey. We are a large group of people who simply believe that no one should be left behind – especially where the need is greatest. We are nothing more than a group of people trying to offer, with whatever means they have, where they can make a difference. Our relationship with the people of the islands was not built overnight. It was built little by little, with trust, with respect and with the certainty that we are there for each other. Every time we leave an island, we leave richer – not materially, but humanly. We look to tomorrow with hope. This is widely recognized in society. Just a month ago, the Aegean Team was honored with the Humanitarian Award “For Human Good»Of Prix ​​Galien 2025 a special and great honor for us! 

As long as there are hands to offer, hearts that beat with love, and eyes focused on a more just and humane future, the Aegean Team will be present. Together, for something better."

Diaplous is possible thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, scientific collaborators and – most importantly – the people of the islands who await it every year. 

The trust and generosity of our Supporters is the solid support behind every journey, every action, every smile that is born on the Aegean islands.

With deep appreciation, we thank everyone who supports our mission, the Aegean Team and its work:

TSIMI S.A., DOVALUE GREECE S.A., IQ GENOMIX–COLON AiQ, SEA JET–CHAMPION JET, MOTOR OIL (HELLAS) CORINTH REFINERIES S.A., KOTSOVOLOS (DIXONS SOUTH–EAST EUROPE), Druckfarben HELLAS S.A., FLEXOPACK S.A., PFIZER HELLAS S.A., Ioannis Tsioris–REVOTECH, HOPEgenesis, BAYER HELLAS S.A., ICRO COATINGS HELLAS, ELAISI–UNILEVER HELLAS S.A. (MyMarket & AIM), WHITESTONE Construction S.A., MELLON TECHNOLOGIES, Diving Marine, RIGINOS YACHTS SA, PENKO S.A., EUROFILM MANTZARIS S.A., ELPEN S.A., Cylinders Karagiannis Intaglio S.A., Alkis Ntousopoulos-PIXI, KRAFT (Colors of Koufonisi), OMMA, BLUE STAR Ferries, Koumentakis & Associates P.E., Viozois A.E., Michael Arabatzis S.A., GEK Wood Constructions, V. Kafkas S.A., Savalas Publications.

Their support is not just material for us – it is a message of solidarity, it is a belief that together we can make the world a little better, one island at a time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Because in the Aegean, distances are not measured in miles. They are measured in waves of love for one another. And every year, these people deserve – and receive – the best.

About the Aegean Team

The Aegean Group is a civic non-profit organization that for over 30 years has been providing medical services, infrastructure projects, as well as educational, cultural, environmental and social awareness activities to the small and remote islands of the Aegean. Its purpose is to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the small and remote islands. For more news and information about its work, visit the Aegean Group website at https://omadaaigaiou.gr/.