The award-winning sports tourism event Navarino Challenge will be held on October 16-18, 2020 presenting new sports activities and experiences for people of all ages, in Messinia, Pylos, and Costa Navarino. Loyal to its global message “sports unite people”, the event will connect people from Greece and abroad, promoting the Olympic values ​​and “fair play”.

The Olympic sport of standing long jump is reviving in Pylos

Navarino Challenge, honoring the birthplace of Kostis Tsiklitiras, the world-famous legend and gold Olympic medalist who was born in Pylos, Messinia, will present the standing long jump activity for the first time, on Saturday, October 17. The European long jump champion, Miltos Tentoglou will be the honoree person and ambassador of this activity. The first Greek athlete to win a gold medal in this sport in European championships along with his coach George Pomaski will provide people of all ages with an opportunity to try out their jumps and attempt to surpass Tsiklitiras’ world record of 3.47m.

In the context of his participation this year, the European champion, Miltos Tentoglou stated: “I am very excited about this event. Standing long jump was one of the most beautiful competitions and it is now considered as one of the best exercises to measure precise jumping. It is also a good opportunity for people to see and experience a real race while being entertained”.

Respectively, the top track and field coach George Pomaski stated: “In such initiatives, we are always willing to participate, in order to honor and never forget the history of sports. Sports endured, stopped wars and rivalries, united continents, and fought racism. Standing long-jump is a very useful exercise for gymnastics, that we even use today because it is an important indicator of the explosiveness of a jumper. It has elements from the long jump. It is important to highlight the region through our participation, as it is the place of origin of the Olympic medalist Tsiklitiras. We must never forget such athletes and we need to preserve our history”.

Pylos Triathlon Kids: Educating young people through sports

Navarino Challenge will include for the first time in its program the highly successful Pylos Triathlon Kids organized by Pylos-Nestor Municipality, on Saturday, October 17. The event includes triathlon races with the participation of children from 4 to 18 years old. The young fans of sports will have the opportunity and the joy to run on 2 beautiful routes, to swim in the picturesque port of Pylos with the background of the historic island of Sfaktiria, in the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea and to ride a bike in the stunning Messinian small town, in the presence of Olympic medalists and world champions. Children will be divided into four age categories: Super mini: 4-7 years old, category 1: 8-12 years old, category 2: 13-15 years old, and category 3: 16-18 years old.

In the context of the 3 rd Pylos Triathlon Kids and the revival of standing long jump, Pylos- Nestor Mayor, Mr. Panagiotis Karvelas said: “This year, Navarino Challenge is here to remind us once again about the universal ideals of Sports, organizing an even more compelling program. The revival of the standing long jump, in the presence of the prominent athlete Miltos Tentoglou and his coach George Pomaski, is an honor for us, in Pylos-Nestor Municipality, the birthplace of the first Greek Olympic medalist Kostis Tsiklitiras. At the same time, we have the pleasure to enjoy, in the context of Navarino Challenge, the successful, for many years, Pylos Triathlon Kids program, in the presence of our Olympic medalists, where our young athletes will have the opportunity to live unique experiences and values, such as those of & fair play” and “sportsmanship”.

Taking into account the global issue of youth inactivity, the top sports tourism event, exhorts young people into exercise and sports, through the Active Kids program, enriching its schedule with more children’s activities in Pylos.

Morning sea kayaking in the historic Sphacteria

Starting from Poseidonia in the port of Pylos, on Saturday, October 17, a sea kayak tour will be held on the island of Sphacteria for the second consecutive year with the support of Explore Messinia. Participants will paddle towards the inside of the Navarino Bay exploring the coastline of Sphacteria. For entries: welcome (at) exploremessinia.com

Navarino Challenge Beach Volley Tournament

Overlooking the sand dunes and crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, The Dunes Beach will host the Navarino Challenge Beach Volley Tournament for the first time. The Olympic sport of beach volleyball returns with the former international Greek volleyball player and record holder of participations with the Greek National Team, Michalis Triantafyllidis, as its ambassador. On Saturday, October 17, the tournament will include separate categories for men and women, while on Sunday, October 18, the tournament will be mixed. During this weekend, the well-established beach volleyball lessons by Samsung will also be held. All beach volleyball activities are carried out with the support of Triantafyllidis Beach Arena. For registrations and more information: info(at)beacharena.gr

Tournament’s organizer Michalis Triantafyllidis stated: “This year, during the top wellness event Navarino Challenge, we provide Beach Volleyball fans with an opportunity to take part in an exemplary organized tournament, on one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. I could not be happier”.

Accommodation Packages

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, you may send your email to navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070.

Runners can act promptly and take advantage of the early bird offer on registrations until July 31. Athletes can register in the Half Marathon with a 40% discount and find 3 out about valid early bird offers in all other routes. Children’s race is held at no cost. The event, always prioritizing the participants themselves, offers a refund of their registration costs until August 31.
 

The event continues to innovate for another year by having Samsung Electronics Hellas as its Official Technology Partner. Samsung and Navarino Challenge will offer all participants the opportunity to purchase the Galaxy S20, S20+ & Galaxy Z Flip, with a 20% discount.

Discount on car rentals

The top Greek rental company Avance, as the event’s official car rental partner, provides participants of Navarino Challenge with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to Messinia during the period of the event. In terms of bookings, participants need to send an email to reserv(at)avance.gr

Navarino Challenge is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and is co-organized by Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and Active Media Group with the support of Pylos-Nestor Municipality. Navarino Challenge has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

As every year, the event will be held, in accordance with the strict standards set by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports, and the relevant sports Federations. Always having the safety and health of all participants and staff as its main priority, Navarino Challenge will be planned and delivered based on the protocol of races, which will ensure public health and safety of all parties involved.

Official technology partner: Samsung

Official sponsor: Vikos Natural Mineral Water

Official sports supplier: Luanvi

Official supporters: Pylos-Nestor Municipality, Poseidonia, Karalis Beach Hotel

Official beauty partner: Messinian Spa

Official shoe partner: On

Partner: Fysiotek Sports Lab

Official car rental partner: Avance

Premium media partner: 24MEDIA

Athletic partners: Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club

CSR Partners: Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation, Karkinaki, Dogs’ Voice, Fashion Targets Breast and Prostate Cancer

Assisted by: VitaNTravel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Target Security, Pilia Express

Sports production: Active Media Group

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell #westincostanavarino

Photo Credit: Progame.sa

 

The Authentic Marathon Swim remains in contact with the state bodies. With its main priority on ensuring public health, organizers work for the event’s smooth and safe operation.

The Authentic Marathon Swim is held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and it is listed in the “Thermopylae-Salamis 2020” Anniversary framework. The event is organized by the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos while Active Media Group is responsible for its sports production.

The Authentic Marathon Swim has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

The event has joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS).

Official Sponsor: Philosofish

Official Water: Vikos Natural Mineral Water

Official Clothing Partner: Luanvi

Official Sports Supplier: Mosconi

Official Car Rental Partner: Avance

Official Beauty Partner: Messinian Spa

Security Partner: Target Security

Partners: Syconia, Dirfis Mushrooms, Fysiotek Sports Lab

Athletic Partners: Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness

Media Partner: Swimbikerun.gr

Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Meliriton, To Kochili

Sports Production: Active Media Group

Hashtag: #authenticmarathonswim
Photo Credit: Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos

Preparations for Santorini Experience continue as the great sports tourism event approaches its 6th year, on October 2-4, 2020. Santorini, which is recognized among the top destinations around the world, will attract professional and amateur athletes once again this year, offering them unique moments of sports and tourism combined. The trail running and open water swimming races that will be held on October 3 and October 4, respectively, will have an eco-friendly approach, through a strategy that incorporates plastic-free actions, always placing the safety of all participants as its main priority.

The history of the volcano

The volcano of Santorini is one of the largest underwater active volcanoes in the world and perhaps the only volcano whose Caldera reaches the sea.

From the volcanic eruptions of ancient times, which even connected Santorini with the myth of the lost Atlantis, to the recent earthquakes, the history of Santorini is directly connected to its “restless” territory and its volcanoes. Parts of Santorini’s volcano are Nea Kameni (1707- 1711 AD), Palea Kameni (46-47 AD), the underwater volcano Columbus (active) (1650 AD), and Christiana Islands. The exciting swimming race of Santorini Experience will take place in the sea gap between Thira and Thirasia, which was formed during the Minoan eruption that took place in 1613 BC, featuring a depth of more than 1,000 meters.

On the morning of Sunday, October 4, 2020, participants of Santorini Experience will have the opportunity to swim over the lost Atlantis, according to Plato, on the mesmerizing 1.5 miles (2.4 km) route from the volcano to the old port of Fira. Swimmers will enjoy the imposing view of the island in the warm waters of the volcano, at the open water swimming race by Vikos. The event will look after all athletes by providing high-quality safety lifeguard buoys. The swimming route will be held, as every year, with absolute safety in the captivating waters of Santorini, where the average water temperature in October, reaches 20-22 degrees Celsius. Lifeguard Patrol’s specialized lifeguards and rescue boats will contribute to the safety of the race for another year. Different categories will be formed depending on the final number of entries and a separate category for those wearing wetsuits will be added too. The race will be held under the technical direction of Greek national swimming coach with Olympic and World Championship distinctions, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, according to FINA regulations and the event’s health protocol in accordance with the instructions of the special scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, based on the epidemiological data and the suggestions of the Health Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports. You can find all the technical details of the swimming route here.

The event will be held, in accordance with the strict standards set by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports and all relevant sports Federations. Santorini Experience will be planned and delivered based on the protocol of races, which will ensure public health and safety of all parties involved. Moreover, the health and safety of all participants remain the event’s main priority. The 10km race is organized along with AS Ifestos Thiras and EAS SEGAS Cyclades Region and approved by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS).

Santorini Experience has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

The award-winning Active Media Group is responsible for the event’s Sports Production, and it is worth noting, that the event’s Official Hashtag #SantoriniExperience, has created its own unique trend on social media.

Accommodation packages at great prices and for all preferences

Up to this point and in these difficult times, this year’s event is supported with amazing offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Katikies Santorini, Andronis Arcadia, West East Suites, K&K Unique Holiday Homes, Folia Bianca, Cocoon Suites, Marvarit Suites, Iriana Suites, Nefeles Luxury Suites, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Memories Hotel, 270 Oia’s View, Cori Rigas Suites, Uma Ray Suites, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Monolithia, Fanouris Condo, Epavlis Hotel, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Boutique Hotel, Esperas Santorini and Santorini Hospitality. Whether you wish to stay in the Caldera, Fira, Imerovigli, Oia, or in the beautiful Pyrgos, Monolithos, Akrotiri, Kamari, Messaria, Emporio, Megalochori or at the endless beach of Perissa and Perivolos, Santorini has everything. Participants may opt to stay in a room for two people, in a house for 4-6 people or in a villa with a pool for 4-10 people, amongst the many other options of Santorini.

Travel to Santorini Experience 2020 with safety

All those traveling to the island by ferry will be able to enjoy the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries once again this year. The top Greek shipping company offers a 40% discount on the ferry tickets, from/to Santorini, and a 30% discount on vehicles to all those visiting the event and the island during that period. Each person who has completed his/her registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 more people if these are his/her escorts, or for 4 people if these are family members.

Moreover, the top Greek rental company Avance, as the event’s official car rental partner provides participants of Santorini Experience with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to the island during the period of the event. 

Athina Luxury Suites, Vikos Natural Mineral Water, and Blue Star Ferries are the event’s official sponsors.

Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier for another year.

Boatmen Union Santorini is the event’s official supporter.

Avance is the official car rental partner.

Messinian Spa is the event’s official beauty partner.

Premium TV partner: SKAI

Premium media partner: 24MEDIA

Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, and Swimmingclub.gr are the athletic partners of Santorini Experience.

The event is assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, and Caldera Yachting.

Tangopapas.com is the event’s travel partner.

Santorini Experience is co-organized by the Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS), and Active Media Group.

 

Time is running out for the historic race of The Authentic Marathon Swim that revives at Artemision 2,500 years later. Amateur and professional swimmers will enjoy the remarkable sporting event, on 4-6 September 2020, at Pefki, Evia, of the Municipality of Istiaia - Edipsos.

For the first time, after 2,500 years, the historic authentic 10km route will revive with the participation of world-class names that will swim over the shipwrecks of the historic naval battle of Artemision in 480 B.C. The demanding route is carried out at the straits of Artemision, connecting Central Greece with Thessaly and the regional units of Evia, Magnesia, and Fthiotida. The event, honoring the history of its location, will symbolically award the winners of the routes with a branch of Mavroelia from Artemision or Olive Mavromandila. It is a monument of nature and local history, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, located in the ancient settlement of Artemision, dating back over 2,500 years.

The event, which has the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, will be held in accordance with the FINA regulations and the health protocol established by event experts, certified by the World Health Organization based on the guidance of the expert scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the epidemiological data and recommendations of Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee, aiming towards ensuring the health of athletes and attendees. More information about the health protocol of the event can be found here. 

On Saturday, September 5 at 16:00 in the afternoon, action will begin with the 3km open water swimming race, while at 18:00 the 1.5km start will follow. Swimmers will cover the triangular route that has been designed with a start and finish point at Pefki beach. The warm-up of the athletes will be held by the physical education instructor, Mandy Persaki. Respectively, on Sunday, September 6, the event will culminate with the revival of the authentic 10km marathon swimming route. Sofia Psilolignou, the three-time Greek champion, in the 5 km and 10 km routes, and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, will be added to the top names participating in this route. The swimmers of this race will meet at the Pefki beach’s pier, at 07:45 in the morning, to be transported by boats at the starting point, immediately after, at 08:00. The race will start at 08:30 with a finish point at Pefki beach. At the same time, at 09:30 in the morning, the 800m children’s race will be held.

All routes of The Authentic Marathon Swim have been designed by the Greek national swimming coach with distinctions in Olympic Games & world open water swimming championships, Nikos Gemelos. You may find the routes here.

The event prioritizing the absolute safety of its athletes will provide everyone with a high- quality safety lifeguard buoy. The participating athletes of the Hellenic Swimming Federation must have their respective health certificates, whereas all other swimmers must provide a health certificate from a cardiologist. The use of wetsuit is not allowed in the 10km route, while in the other routes, swimmers will not be included in the official results. You may find here the detailed terms & conditions that participants should know.

Registrations for the 10km route have already been completed, while those of 3km, 1.5km, and the 800m children’s race continue at an undiminished pace. Please note that no registrations will be allowed on the day of the races. The event provides the opportunity of delivering the participation kit by courier, before the races, to avoid overcrowding in the registration area. Moreover, for the public’s best of service the organization provides the possibility of receiving the participation kit 24 hours before the start of each race as the registration area will be open on Friday, September 4, from 17.00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening and on Saturday, September 5, from 10.00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening, at Pefki beach. Participants are kindly requested to arrive at the registration area at least 45 minutes before their race’s start, in order to receive their kit and avoid potential last-minute overcrowding and queues. Swimmers and visitors are advised to wear a protective mask during their stay at the registration area.

The event will also provide participants with the opportunity to watch, update and respond to live chat for the races via Viber, Facebook Messenger, and SMS during the event, to avoid crowds at the registration area, as defined by the GDPR rules on personal data protection.

Among other things, participation kits will include the event’s bag and t-shirt from Luanvi, a swimming cap from Mosconi, towel, tattoo entry number, timing chip, and numerous gifts from the event’s sponsors.

All athletes will receive a medal at the finish. Due to the current health conditions, no award ceremony will be held.

The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with more than 30 hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported with special offers and prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Hydna Studios, Hotel 40 Platania, Altamar Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Artemision Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Ilios Studios, Villa Anastasia, Κochili Apartments, Mirtia Hotel, Island, Irene Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Aktaion Hotel, Aenaon Studios, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis Pefki, Athina 3 Studios, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa Hotel, Avli Hotel, Dimitra Apartments, Ermis Spa Hotel, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Kallithea Hotel, Katerina Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Mitho Hotel, Jenny Studios, Papadioti Αpartments, Rodon Hotel, Drosia Studios, Garden Studios Pefki.

Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiaia, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos. Check the event’s specially designed page and discover the accommodation packages and special offers that are valid for the participants.

Ferries itineraries

For the best access to Pefki Evia, you may find the ferry itineraries for the routes Edipsos - Arkitsa and Agiokampos - Glyfa here.

The Authentic Marathon Swim is held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and it is listed in the “Thermopylae-Salamis 2020” Anniversary framework. The event is organized by the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos while Active Media Group is responsible for its sports production. The Authentic Marathon Swim has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

The event has joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS).

The leading company in the field of aquaculture in Greece, Philosofish, the official sponsor of The Authentic Marathon Swim, produces superior quality sea bream, sea bass, porgy, and sharp snout sea bream. With respect to the environment, it applies new techniques and is oriented towards production technologies that utilize the competitive advantage of Greek waters and coasts for the production of high-quality fish. The company’s mission is to develop and promote a rich and balanced diet based on fish. Its vision is to become one of the most significant companies in the industry in the European and international market, always contributing to the effort for production based on the sustainable future of the aquatic environment.

Navarino Challenge, the award-winning sports tourism event that every year brings together people of all ages and abilities, returns for 8th consecutive year in Messinia, Pylos, and Costa Navarino, on October 16-18, 2020. The top wellness event, as highlighted at the World Travel Market in London, which promotes Olympic values ​​and “fair play” will be held with the utmost safety of all participants and attendees.

The event, taking into account the current health conditions, is organized with the strict specifications set by the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports, and the relevant sports federations. With the safety and health of all participants and staff as its main priority, Navarino Challenge will be conducted based on the health protocol established by experienced staff, certified by the World Health Organization, following the instructions of General Secretariat of Sports’ expert scientists-collaborators as well as the epidemiological data and suggestions of the General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee.

Navarino Challenge promotes and supports actions that highlight the history and cultural heritage of our country and more specifically the undeniable value of the Greek language. The Greek language has been a source of inspiration and culture for many countries since many foreign languages ​​use words deriving from ancient Greek. Words such as athlete, energy, harmony, ideals which are used around the world, are highlighted in this year’s video that presents all wellness activities of the 8th Navarino Challenge. 

Participants in this year’s Navarino Challenge will have the opportunity to enjoy exercising along with significant personalities from the wellness field, such as: the physical education instructor Mandy Persaki, the trainer of F45, Barrio Salamanca, Tess Arlauckas, and the personal trainer Dimitris Moros, as well as athletic partners such as FitnessArt, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, with the experience and dynamic of the Panellinios Agora Games and the Navarino Golf Academy. In addition, the following instructors will be present: the boxing champion Christos Gatsis, with the 2 support of the Vizantinos target sports club, the kickboxing champion Alexandros Nikolaidis, the table tennis champion and international career model Ioanna Papadimitriou as well as athletic partners such as Swim Academy and Red Swim Academy. For the first time, a beach volley tournament will be held by the champion and pioneer of the sport, Michalis Triantafyllidis.

Top international female basketball player of all time Evina Maltsi meets Euroleague legend Joe Arlauckas at the Navarino Challenge 2020.

The Greek Women’s National Team all-time top scorer and former WNBA player will be an honoree guest at this year’s event. In the context of her participation, Evina Maltsi stated: “It is my honor and pleasure to participate in the 8th Navarino Challenge which is a huge sporting event in a beautiful tourism destination. I hope that this event can live on for one thousand years. What the event stands for, is completely in line with my beliefs, the dissemination of the Olympic idea. It is a wonderful place that can combine sports tourism and attract more people who will adopt the Olympic values ​​as a way of life. As a basketball player, it will be my pleasure to introduce the sport that I have served for more than 25 years, to as many children as I can”.

Dynamic sports will also be included in this year’s award-winning event’s schedule. Specifically, the Olympic and world champion in 400m with hurdles, Periklis Iakovakis, the two-time silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, the gold Paralympic medalist and world champion of Boccia Grigoris Polychronidis, the European champion, Miltos Tentoglou, as well as the top track and field coach George Pomaski, will be present at the event.

A demonstration of sailing races with OPTIMIST and LASER boats will be held in the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor at the bay of Navarino, by the Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”. The “Forgotten Heroes” races will be held in honor of Anastasios Tsamados, Nikolaos Votsis, Stavros Sachinis, Georgios Sachtouris, and the ghost sailors of the warship (brig) Aris of Tsamados. The “Aris” ship (also known as “Athena” during the period 1829–1879) is considered as one of the most glorious ships of the Greek navy in the Greek war of independence, which was owned by the fearless captain, the admiral Anastasios Tsamados. It was the last ship to break through the enemy siege, putting seven enemy ships out of battle, during the siege of the island of Sphacteria at the Battle of Sphacteria on April 26, 1825.

This year, Navarino Challenge through its actions will support the following CSR partners: Through the “Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation”, it will support a) Karkinaki and b) Dogs’ Voice, while will also directly support c) Fashion Targets Breast and Prostate Cancer.

The energy you need to start your day stronger

The favorite breakfast cereal bars FITNESS®, as the Official Breakfast Partner of Navarino Challenge, will be by the side of the participants, giving them the energy they need to meet the challenges they will encounter during this unique event! With their B- complex vitamins that help release energy from food, they form the ideal choice for a delicious and balanced breakfast.

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you may send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070.

Entries for the event’s top Greek Half-marathon (21.1km), 10km, 5km by Samsung and 1km children’s races are underway and interested parties can participate by completing the available here. 

Take advantage of the offer by the event’s Official Technology Partner, Samsung Electronics Hellas. Samsung and Navarino Challenge will offer all participants the opportunity to purchase the Galaxy S20, S20+ & Galaxy Z Flip, with a 20% discount upon completion of their registration.

The top Greek rental company Avance, as the event’s official car rental partner, provides participants of Navarino Challenge with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to Messinia during the period of the event. In terms of bookings, participants need to send an email to reserv(at)avance.gr.

Navarino Challenge is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the support of the Pylos-Nestor Municipality. Navarino Challenge has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

The historic race of The Authentic Marathon Swim revived at Artemision 2,500 years later. Amateur and professional swimmers from Japan, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Bulgaria, and Greece enjoyed the remarkable sporting event with utmost safety, uniting the legend with history, on September 4-6, 2020, at Pefki, Evia of the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos.

The authentic route

For the first time, after 2,500 years, the historic authentic 10km route revived with the participation of world-class names that swam over the shipwrecks of the historic naval battle of Artemision in 480 B.C. following the example of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to The Father of History, Herodotus, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet. The demanding route took place at the straits of Artemision, connecting Central Greece with Thessaly and the regional units of Evia, Magnesia, and Fthiotida, with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture & Sports, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Mrs. Angela Gerekou, Governor of Central Greece Region, Mr. Fanis Spanos and Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Ioannis Kontzias. A common reference from all those honoring the event with their presence was made for the absolutely successful compliance of the measures and the historic revival of the authentic swimming marathon route.

In the context of the races held, the Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Kontzias, stated: “It was a special honour for our Municipality to revive this historic sporting event. With the principle of Plutarch’s ascertainment about the Naval Battle of Artemision “ἀρχὴ γὰρ ὄντως τοῦ νικᾶν τὸ θαρρεῖν” meaning “Courage is the beginning of victory” we faced the special conditions of our times with responsibility and emerged as winners. I would like to warmly thank the entire Greek state, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports, the Hellenic Swimming Federation, the Region of Central Greece, the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece and all sponsors who supported us in this effort from the first moment, recognizing the historical background of The Authentic Marathon Swim. Our goal is for the event to become an institution and to be repeated every year”.

The support of the local government

The entire local government of Central Greece joined the Municipality of Istiaia- Edipsos, supporting the revival of The Authentic Marathon Swim. The event was held 2 with the support and cooperation of the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.ST.E.), and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece.

World-class athletes were present

The Authentic Marathon Swim was honored by the presence of the silver Olympic medalist, world champion in the open water swimming, and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Spyros Gianniotis. Among participating swimmers, the event had the Bulgarian Olympic champion Petar Stoychev with 4 Olympics participations, 11 consecutive titles in major international open water marathon swimming FINA series, and the impressive achievement of being in the Ice Swimming Hall of Fame, the Japanese Olympic champion in Rio, Yasu Fukuoka and top names from Greece. Specifically, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli the bronze medalist in the 2011 world open water swimming championship, with 4 participations in the Olympics, Marianna Lymperta, the three-time Greek champion and two- time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou, the English Channel marathon swimmer Giannis Kotsiopoulos, along with the elite athletes of the Greek national open water swimming team with Dimitris Negris, Andreas Georgakopoulos, Stellina Aplanti, Ilektra Lebl, Olga Ntalla and the swimming champion George Skotadis who competes with the colors of the Dutch national team.

In the context of the races, Spyros Gianniotis, Nikos Gemelos, Petar Stoychev, Yasu Fukuoka, Vicky Kouveli, Marianna Lymperta, and Sofia Psilolignou were honored for their presence, while the Mayor of Istiaia-Edipsos, Mr. Ioannis Kontzias was honored for his idea and work.

The activities

On Saturday, September 5, the action began with the 3km open water swimming race, while the 1.5km race followed at Pefki beach.

Respectively, on Sunday, September 6, the event culminated with the revival of the authentic 10km marathon swimming route at the straits of Artemision. The event also included an 800m children’s race offering joy and smiles to dozens of kids. The warm-up of all athletes was held by the physical education instructor, Mandy Persaki.

The Authentic Marathon Swim, honoring the history of the region, held a symbolic event at the ancient settlement of Artemision where Mavroelia from Artemision or Olive Mavromandila can be found. It is a monument of nature and local history, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, dating back over 2,500 years. Winners of the routes were symbolically awarded a branch of Mavroelia.

The races’ results

In the authentic 10km marathon swimming route, the Bulgarian Olympic champion Petar Stoychev finished first in the men’s category, while the world champion of open water masters, Vicky Kouveli took the first place in women. In the 3km route, the champion Dimitris Negris won the first place amongst the men while the champion Ilektra Lebl was first in women. Respectively, in the 1.5km route, the champion Andreas Georgakopoulos finished first in the men’s category and Despina Dogia was first in the women’s category. You may check all the detailed results for the 10km route, the 3km route, and the 1.5km route. 

Opening the gates for safe sports tourism events

The event was held in accordance with FINA regulations and the health protocol based on the instructions of the expert scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming 3 Federation and recommendations of the Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee, established by Active Media Group, ensuring the health of athletes and attendees.

The mandatory use of a mask by the staff and encouragement of its use by everyone with its free provision, the temperature measurements by the team of Target Security, although several athletes entered the venue with a mask showing a high sense of individual responsibility, the use of gloves where needed, the disinfection of all areas, equipment, and office materials, the demarcation of a 2,000 square meters space through the use of railings, swimmers starting in different waves to avoid interactions while maintaining long distances between them, the isolation of foreign athletes in different hotels and their entry in Greece with PCR tests were just a few elements on the first page of the safety measures implemented.

In the context of The Authentic Marathon Swim, Active Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akis Tsolis stated: "With our experienced and certified staff from the World Health Organization, we put in action with absolute success, an even stricter health protocol than the one approved by the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the General Secretariat of Sports, taking all necessary measures for the safety of our participants. We created a recording system of outgoing and incoming people in order to always be aware, of the number of people that were present at the area of ​​the sports facility we built. Moreover, for the first time in the world, in these health conditions we experience, individual awarding was held for the 10km athletes. A huge effort was made by the organizing committee, the Municipality, the volunteers but above all by the participants who mostly came to the venue wearing masks. We did not write history, because history was written 2,500 years ago in the naval battle of Artemision, in the Battle of Thermopylae, and in the route swam by Hydna and Skyllias. We are adding to the glorious book of our place’s history; we are filling in the blank pages that are left from the authentic marathon swimming route 2,500 years ago, and we are opening a new chapter in the history of swimming and sports tourism”.

Safety throughout the races

All routes of The Authentic Marathon Swim were designed by the Greek national swimming coach with distinctions in Olympic Games & world open water swimming championships, Mr. Nikos Gemelos. The event prioritizing the absolute safety of its athletes provided everyone with a safety lifeguard buoy since its use by professional and amateur athletes was mandatory. On the 10km route, each swimmer had an escorting boat next to him for safety reasons. Numerous lifeguards with boats and staff from Lifeguard Patrol and European Lifeguard School contributed to the safety of the races with the support of the Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department and dozens of volunteers from the region who helped in the event’s smooth delivery. The judges of the race were appointed by the Hellenic Swimming Federation, which had given its approval for the organization of the event, while the Port Authority of Orei and the race’s doctor also supervised all athletes.

Hospitality Sponsors’ dynamic support

The Authentic Marathon Swim collaborated with 40 hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. The event was enormously supported with special offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Hydna Studios, Island, Maria Louiza Apartments, Hotel 40 Platania, Altamar Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Artemision Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Ilios Studios, Villa Anastasia, Κochili Apartments, Mirtia Hotel, Irene Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Aktaion Hotel, Aenaon Studios, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis Pefki, Athina Studios, Apolonio, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa 4 Hotel, Avli Hotel, Ermis Spa Hotel, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Gioula Studios, Kallithea Hotel, Katerina Apartments, Kerasiotis Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Maria Studios, Melikari Studios, Mitho Hotel, Niki Studios, Jenny Studios, Papadioti Αpartments, Rodon Hotel, Sunset Pefki.

The Authentic Marathon Swim was held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization, it was listed in the “Thermopylae-Salamis 2020” Anniversary framework while joining the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission being held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. The event was co-organized by the Municipality of Istiaia- Edipsos Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.ST.E.), and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece, while Active Media Group was responsible for its sports production.

The Authentic Marathon Swim joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS).

NP Insurance and Philosofish were the Official Sponsors.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water was the event’s Official Water.
Luanvi was the Official Clothing Partner.
Mosconi was the Official Sports Supplier.
Avance was the event’s Official Car Rental Partner.
Messinian Spa was the Official Beauty Partner and Target Security the Security Partner.
The event’s Partners included Piraeus Bank, Syconia, Almanda, and Fysiotek Sports Lab.
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness, APS TRIAS, Kallithea Open Water Team were The Authentic Marathon Swim’s Athletic Partners.
Swimbikerun.gr was the Media Partner.
The event was assisted by Lifeguard Patrol, European Lifeguard School, Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department, Meliriton, and To Kochili.

Photo Credit: Dimitris Andritsos Photography 

The event’s official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim created its own wave on social media bringing unique images and videos from participants’ exciting moments in the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos.

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With a high sense of responsibility for the safety of participants and attendees and due to the severe and extreme weather conditions that have been announced, the organizing committee of the Glyfada Maritime Golf Event has decided to postpone the shipping community tournament for Saturday, October 10, 2020.

From the tee and the par of the course to the birdie, the eagle and, why not, the hole-in-one…

Greek shipping executives will learn everything and apply them during the new Glyfada Maritime Golf Event that will be held at the beautiful Glyfada Golf course.

Tournament based on a detailed health protocol

The event will be held in accordance with the strict specifications set by the Greek General Secretariat of Sports and the Hellenic Golf Federation. Always having the safety and health of all participants and staff as a top priority, Glyfada Maritime Golf Event will be implemented based on the health protocol established by the experienced and certified by the World Health Organization Active Media Group staff, based on the guidelines of special scientists-collaborators of the General Secretariat of Sports as well as the epidemiological data and the suggestions of the General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee. This is the first golf tournament in Greece that will be held based on a strict health protocol approved by the General Secretariat of Sports, with a maximum total number of 100 attendees.

The schedule

The first golf tournament is expected to attract the interest of the Greek and international shipping industry as its senior executives will form teams of four.

Participants will have the opportunity to receive their participation kit from the registration area at the Clubhouse of Glyfada Golf course, which will be open from 08:00 am to 09:00 am on Saturday morning.

The golf action will start at 10:00 am in the morning with the shotgun scramble tournament. Golfers will compete at a team level, at the 18-hole golf course, par 72, of Glyfada.

Non-participants in the tournament will have the opportunity to attend golf lessons and take part in the golf clinic which will take place from 11:30 am to 13:00 pm.

The tournament will end with the awards ceremony at 16:30 pm, for the top three teams in the tournament’s overall standings, and the special awards that will be given to players who will achieve the best scores in the special categories of “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin”.

To view the event's full schedule, please click here.

Lots of gifts will be given from sponsors and many surprises will be expected for participants. Specifically, after a draw, a lucky winner will have the opportunity to experience the Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Sport Turismo for a test-drive that will last an entire weekend. During the event, participants will be able to take a short test-drive in the full range of Porsche cars, including the new, all-electric Taycan.

Completion of Registrations

Registrations are now closed. All proceeds from entry fees will be allocated for the improvement of the facilities of Glyfada Golf course.

In the context of the 1 st Glyfada Maritime Golf Event, the recognized PGA Golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias stated: “With our experienced staff, we organize another golf tournament in a golf course of high international standards, for the people of the shipping industry, always having the safety of participants as our main priority. With our initiative, we promote the region’s golf tourism, we help to spread the sport of golf in Greece, and we contribute to the upgrade and improvement of this historic golf course’s facilities”.

The tournament is organized by Birdie Events, an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The event is exclusively addressed to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.

The top sports event Santorini Experience, which endorses the volcanic island of Cyclades for its sports tourism is postponed to October 1-3, 2021. Despite the dynamic efforts and the provision of all necessary permits, licenses, and approvals of health protocols for the safe and smooth implementation of the Santorini Experience in 2020, the event, which has been successfully assigned for the last six years to Active Media Group by the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS), will not take place in 2020.

Santorini Experience, is the annual sports appointment of Santorini, attracting professional and amateur athletes from Greece and abroad, while presenting unique running activities with a breathtaking view, on the path that connects Oia with Fira and an open water swimming race from the volcano to the old port of Fira. The appointment for the award-winning sea tourism event, with the running and swimming audience, is renewed for October 1-3, 2021.

Approval of Health Protocols

Santorini Experience had received the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation for the implementation of the swimming event and the approval of the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) for the implementation of the running races. At the same time, Active Media Group had acquired the approval of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, through the strict distinct health protocols designed for running and swimming respectively, while successfully passing the tests of the World Health Organization and World Athletics.

Registrations: Refund or Transfer of Participations to 2021

Active Media Group, always prioritizing the best service of its participants, offers the possibility of a refund to all runners and swimmers who had already completed their registration for Santorini Experience 2020 or alternatively the possibility of transferring their participation to the 2021 event.

Participants who had completed their registration will receive additional information within the following week, regarding the possibility of transferring their registration to the respective event of 2021 or its cancellation and refund of their registration fee.

A big thank you

Active Media Group would like to thank several people for their ongoing support. First of all, the people of Santorini, those who proved what solidarity, ethics, support, innovation, sustainability, creativity, quality, and vision mean, when society needed it, when Greek tourism needed it. 

Also, the foreign participants, the foreign champions, the swimmers’ groups from abroad, and the foreign journalists for their patience and understanding. 

A huge thanks to the members of the national swimming team, the Olympic medalists and world champions, the technical directors of the races, and all professional and amateur participants for the interest they showed until the very last minute to take part in the top sea tourism event.

Lastly, Active Media Group wishes to express their gratitude towards all sponsors, supporters, and partners, all the Greek and foreign media who stood alongside throughout the year and thank them for all their physical and ethical support.

An event that managed to achieve something unprecedented, to unite major companies of the island, top entrepreneurs, not only of the Greek tourism industry but on a worldwide scale. An event that was rewarded for the excellence of its best practices at the Greek Tourism Awards, the Sports Marketing Awards, and the Ermis Awards receiving foreign distinctions and awards, respectively.

In the aspect of healthcare, no consent or any additional action is required, nor the ratification by another body (e.g. Ministry, National Public Health Organization [EODY]), as the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports is the competent authority for sports events. In fact, the Committee is in constant contact with the sports committee of EODY for all current developments and more. We should not forget that when we talk about competence, we are talking about legal authority and the most fundamental form of the concept of competence is the constitutional distinction of the functions of a State.

Events will continue to take place, as they were recently held in Evia, Rethymno, Ioannina, as we all must learn to live in the new normal, with safety rules and strict protection measures, as set by the state.

Without fear, but with logic.

In these difficult times, this year’s event was supported with amazing offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Katikies Santorini, Andronis Arcadia, West East Suites, K&K Unique Holiday Homes, Folia Bianca, Cocoon Suites, Marvarit Suites, Iriana Suites, Nefeles Luxury Suites, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Memories Hotel, 270 Oia’s View, Cori Rigas Suites, Uma Ray Suites, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Monolithia, Fanouris Condo, Epavlis Hotel, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Boutique Hotel, Esperas Santorini and Santorini Hospitality.

Santorini Experience had joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission which is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

Running races were organized along with AS Ifestos Thiras and EAS SEGAS Cyclades Region.

The event joined the swimming community Global Swim Series (GSS) and the running community World’s Marathons.

The award-winning sports tourism event Navarino Challenge, with a high sense of responsibility towards its participants and visitors, announces the postponement of the event to October 15-17, 2021, taking into consideration the epidemiological data and current health conditions prevailing in our country, despite designing and getting the necessary approvals for the strict health protocols.

Registered athletes and participants will receive relevant email communication from the event, whereas those interested can learn news and read all announcements directly through Navarino Challenge’s communication channels.

Navarino Challenge is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization, with the support of the Pylos-Nestor Municipality. Navarino Challenge has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2020 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

Samsung is the Official Technology Partner.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the event’s Official Sponsor.

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

Pylos-Nestor Municipality, Poseidonia, Karalis Beach Hotel are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.

Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.

On is the Official Shoe Partner.

Nestlé FITNESS® is the Official Breakfast Partner.

Target Security, Fysiotek Sports Lab are the event’s Partners.

Avance is the Official Car Rental Partner.

SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.

National Geographic is the Strategic Partner.

24MEDIA is the Premium Media Partner.

Deree - The American College of Greece is the Educational Partner. 
Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club, Marathon Team Greece are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.

Navarino Challenge is assisted by Vita N Travel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Pilia Express, Kayak.

Anazoe Spa, Attica Selections, Kessaris, Nargile, Panellinios Agora Games are the Discount Partners.

Active Media Group is responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas

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Even though many Greek museums previously received negative reviews for lack of innovation and modernism, it seems that a lot has changed.

Lately, 31 of the country’s public museums have earned TripAdvisor’s 2020 Traveler’s Choice badge, in recognition of consistently great user reviews.

Indeed, in the past few years, both public and privately owned museums have been striving to improve their communication skills, offer more activities and adapt to new technologies. Now, Greek public museums great excellent reviews from visitors and rank among the top 10% of recommended places to visit this year.

The Association of Greek Archaeologists published the list of the 31 museums that were awarded the “Traveler’s Choice 2020” badge on their website: