The Influence of Political Ideologies in the Organization and Development of Sport in Greece.

Since sporting events appeal and influence thousands of people, its affairs is, in many countries of the world, regulated and supported by the State. Greece is no exception. This presentation will provide an overview of how sport is influenced by the State in Greece and how the different political parties perceive sport as part of their political agendas. I. The Organization of Sport in Greece: A Political Affair Greece is a Presidential Parliamentary Republic, with a president as the head of the republic and a prime minister as the head of the national government. The governmental involvement with sport, is mandated by the Greek constitution, where it is mentioned that sport is under the supervision of the State (The Constitution of Greece, 1975). The corresponding sport legislation governing the sport in Greece, sets the general framework and provides the guidelines for the entire Greek sport system. However, the legislation provides the underpinnings by which the Deputy Minister of Sport can propose further regulations which will be authorized later by a Presidential Order. Among the several ministries the Culture, Interior, Education, and National Defense are primarily involved with th