A Brief Administrative History of the Federation

PERAMA International was not established as a sporting federation.

1950

PERAMA was founded in 1950 as a vessel crossing service on the lake at Ioannina, in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece. The name, from the Greek for passage, described the operation. The eagle on the company's insignia was taken from the Epirote double-headed eagle, a symbol used in the region since the Byzantine period.

The company produced branded work clothing for its staff. The eagle was printed on all items.

1958

The company expanded into regional logistics. Clothing production increased to meet staff requirements. The surplus was sold locally. Several items were noted in communities outside the immediate area.

By this time, significant numbers of Epirotes had emigrated to Australia, South Africa, the Americas, and Northern Europe. Many requested items bearing the eagle through family connections. The company began fulfilling these orders without distinguishing them from its domestic trade.

1963

The company formalised its export activities under A. Lemos, the founder's niece, who had assumed responsibility for overseas correspondence. Shipments were recorded to twelve countries. The recipients were, in all documented cases, members of the Epirote diaspora.

Lemos has noted that several orders arrived addressed not to the company but to "the organisation" or, in one instance, "the Epirote Sporting Authority." She fulfilled them regardless.

1968

The first correspondence regarding what would later be classified as club activity was received from Helsinki. The correspondent was an Epirote who had relocated to Finland some years earlier, reportedly having noted a resemblance between the two nations' flags.

He wrote to the office describing a small group who had taken to racing camels on the outskirts of the city. How the animals came to be there was not explained. He had, by his own account, "joined immediately." The letter was addressed to Lemos by name.

What followed has not been fully reconstructed. Lemos has stated that she replied, and that she may have enclosed several items of clothing bearing the eagle. The group in Helsinki has maintained that this constituted formal recognition. Lemos has described it as "a polite response to a letter."

1971

The logistics business had declined. Larger operators had moved into the region. The ferry route had been absorbed by the municipality. The clothing operation, however, continued. Demand from abroad remained steady.

Lemos has described this period as "administrative." The office remained open. Correspondence was answered. The distinction between commercial orders and organisational enquiries had, by her own account, "become unclear."

1974

Further affiliation requests arrived from Venice, Ulaanbaatar, and Okinawa. The Venice enquiry referenced a motocross league. The Ulaanbaatar correspondence mentioned surfing. Lemos has stated that she did not seek clarification.

The company began referring to affiliated groups as "member clubs." Lemos has maintained that this was a filing convention, not a policy decision.

1980

PERAMA International was formally constituted as a sporting federation. The headquarters remained in Ioannina. Lemos was appointed Federation Secretary, a position she continues to hold.

The clothing operation was redirected toward the needs of the member clubs. Each club received its own crest, incorporating the eagle alongside local elements. Production continued from Epirus.

Present Day

PERAMA International is the recognised governing body for ten member clubs across six continents. The Federation maintains that its transition from regional trade company to international sporting body was, in its own words, "a natural administrative progression."

The eagle remains.

Compiled by the Office of the Federation Secretary PERAMA International