History
AGON
Agon (Greek ἀγών - Ah-gon) comes from the Greek word agōn, which is translated with a number of meanings, among them "contest," "competition at games," and "gathering." In ancient Greece, agons (the word is also pluralized in English as agones) were contests held during public festivals. The contests—among them the ancient Olympics, on which our modern Olympics is modeled—involved everything from athletics to chariot and horse racing to music and literature. Agon in the realm of literature refers to the dramatic conflict between the main characters in a Greek play or, more broadly, between the chief characters in any literary work. The word is also occasionally used to refer to conflict in general. - Mirriam Webster.
Greek Tragedy: In ancient Greece, "agon" referred to a dramatic contest or conflict, particularly in the context of Greek tragedy. Tragedy often involved a central character, the protagonist, facing adversity and the antagonist creating them.
Greek Philosophy: The term "agon" is also associated with philosophical discussions and debates. Philosophers engaged in intellectual contests and debates to exchange ideas, present arguments, and seek truth. Socrates, for example, was known for engaging in such "agonistic" discussions with his disciples and other thinkers in the Athenian agora.
Greek Sports and Athletics: In the context of ancient Greek sports and athletics, "agon" referred to competitive events or contests, particularly in the Olympic Games and other Panhellenic Games. The Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years, were the most famous example of these contests. Athletes from various Greek city-states competed against each other to achieve victory and honor.
The concept of "agon" in ancient Greece was deeply ingrained in their cultural and social life. It represented the competitive nature of the Greeks and their belief in the importance of striving for excellence and achieving glory. The ideals of agon were further reflected in the Greek belief in the value of arete (excellence or virtue) and the pursuit of kleos (glory and renown).
In many ways, the spirit of "agon" continues to influence modern societies, particularly in the context of competitive sports and various intellectual pursuits where individuals and teams engage in contests to achieve success and recognition. The legacy of agon lives on as a timeless concept that embodies the human desire to test and push one's abilities to the limit.
And the limit will be raised!
Concept
My name is Corey, I'm an artist, DJ, musician and award winning costume designer. I was raised by a family that would have massive family reunions, church functions, and fundraisers. I would help host yearly summer parties for friends from high-school through college. But soon life changed and those gatherings eventually faded away.
I had a funny fantasy that I wish I could contractually keep all our friends and families together at least once a year. A daydream about us all having a giant game-night where the winner would be crowned champion and host for next year's gathering. Seemed fun, yet improbable. Families grew apart, friend moved away, and we were too busy doing our best to survive. But the thought weighed heavy, and that idea never left me. One day I decided to give it a shot. Everyone I spoke to loved the idea immediately. We eventually started developing the concepts and building a team, but then COVID hit. After a pandemic and a new baby, this idea once again took a backseat. Yet it has stood strong by my soul. Unwavering.
In 2023 I needed a birthday party and a bachelor party. My best-friend and best-man, needed a birthday party. Our best-friendship also turned 21 years old that fall. With very humble beginnings, we scrapped together the first legitimate Agon Challenge. That day we raised $1,000 for Save the Bay Narragansett.
Now we raise the bar for our kin and our community. With open minds and open arms, we bring to you a night of family fun and community growth. Where everyone has the opportunity to be a hero. We proudly present to you the Agon Challenge!