History

The first students in Physical Education were educated with an empirical way in 1834 by the German F. Kork in Nafplio’s gym.

The first mentioned Greek physical educator was George Pagon. Since 1862 physical educators have been exclusively chosen from the “Fire Brigade Department”.

• In 1882 the first School of Physical Education opened its gates, for 40-day studies.
• A "Special School of Trainers” was founded in 1899 and the studies lasted two years.
• In 1918 the “Special School of Trainers” was renamed to “School of Exercise” with Ioannis Chrisafis as director.
• In 1933 the ”School of Exercise” was renamed to “Exercise Academy” and studies lasted three years.
• Before World War II the ”Exercise Academy” was renamed to ”National Academy of Physical Education” and was situated in Daphne, Athens.
• In 1970 a branch of the National Academy was founded in Thessaloniki.
• Until 1975 the studies in the National Academy lasted three years, thereupon they were increased into four years.
• In 1982 two Schools of Physical Education and Sports Sciences (SPESS) were founded (in Athens and in Thessaloniki) and were included in the respective Universitie