Georgios M. Averoff (1858-1930)

Georgios Averoff, son of Michael and member of the renowned Averoff family, was a prominent figure in modern Greek history. Born in 1858, he had a distinguished career in the country's political arena, having been elected as a Member of Parliament for Chalkida and Euboea in successive elections from 1895 to 1915. The most significant moment in his public service was his tenure as Minister of Education and Religious Affairs in the Provisional Government of National Defence led by Eleftherios Venizelos in Thessaloniki, from October 1916 to June 1917, during the turbulent period of the National Schism. Beyond politics, Averoff also left his mark in the fields of culture and sports. He served as president of the historic Athens Conservatoire, and from 1924 to 1930, he led the Hellenic Olympic Committee and became a member of the International Olympic Committee. His contribution to sports and the Olympic movement was invaluable. He passed away in 1930 in Paris, following surgery. Pictured: Letter from the Board of Directors of the Iraklis Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki, dated April 8, 1917, addressed to Georgios M. Averoff, Minister of Education in the Government of National Defence. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.