Water Is The Leading Element Of This Year's Navarino Challenge

  • by XpatAthens
  • Tuesday, 14 June 2016
Water Is The Leading Element Of This Year's Navarino Challenge
Messinia could be an island, as it is embraced by the Ionian Sea on the one side and the Messinian Gulf on the other, and it possesses 140 km. of coast. The leading sport tourism event ‘Navarino Challenge’ highlights the unique natural beauty of the area in which it takes place, by showcasing water as the dominant element of this year’s event!

Unique swimming activities will take place each and every day of the duration (9-11/9) of 'Navarino Challenge' in Costa Navarino and at the outstanding facilities of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

Navarino Challenge returns for a 4th consecutive year in Messinia and Costa Navarino on 9-11 September 2016.

Click HERE for this year's event info and registration details.

For more information about Navarino Challenge 2016, please visit: Navarino Challenge

With the assistance of the Swim Academy, of the federal technical coach of swimming and holder of countless Olympic and World distinctions in open water swimming Nikos Gemelos, and the Olympic and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, the activity of baby swimming will be presented this year for the first time (for babies from 3 months and children up to 3 years old).

In the hands of their parents, babies come in contact with the water element, get familiar with it and accept all the calming effect under the instructions of qualified personnel by Swim Academy.

Adults and children will also have the opportunity to participate for the first time in the aqua aerobic program. The most popular aerobic exercise comes in “Navarino Challenge” to help you burn calories, keep your body in shape and tone your cardiorespiratory system.

‘Navarino Challenge’ offers water sports lovers the opportunity to enjoy exciting moments under the warm Messinian sun. According to the values of Costa Navarino for sustainable development and our commitment to protect the environment, all water sports are non–motorized, with a wide range available to choose from and enjoy the mild climate of Messinia all seasons with safety above all!

For the third consecutive year ‘Navarino Challenge’ will be supported by Allianz Greece within the general effort to ensure the safety of the event. The company is sensitive to issues related to health care and supports reinforcing the message of protection of health and the adoption of a healthier lifestyle through exercise and proper nutrition. Principles and values that are inextricably linked with those of the organization.

Besides the premises of Costa Navarino, water activities will be hosted in the municipality of Pylos-Nestor, whose name comes from the legendary king and mythical hero of ancient Pylos, Nestor, the wisest of the leaders of the Trojan War, as recorded in the Homeric years.

On Saturday, September 10, 2016, sea lovers will have the opportunity to swim without competition, in the beautiful Navarino bay at the picturesque port of Pylos, covering the unique swimming route of one mile (1.6 km.) designed by Nikos Gemelos.

On the same day (Saturday 10/9), the lights will also turn in the Stand Up Paddling race by BIC® Sport!

For the first time, ‘Navarino Challenge’ will present at the port of Pylos an innovative sport like Stand Up Paddling (SUP), which quickly became popular worldwide. It is an easy and ideal sport for someone to enjoy in an area surrounded by some of the best beaches in Greece. The entertaining routes for beginners or experts are the best choices for those who wish to experience the peacefulness of the Ionian Sea. One of the most recognized brands in the world, BIC® company with presence in the field of water sports with BIC® Sport since 1979, is supporting this activity. It was created by Baron Bich, a man passionate with the sea and sailing. The company was established very quickly in manufacturing Windsurf, SUP, Surf and kayak boards, maintaining credibility, simplicity, ingenuity and an affordable profile. All athletes participating will have the opportunity to test the credibility of the SUP BIC® boards.

For the first time, sea lovers will discover the underwater secrets on the pirates island, Proti, with the assistance of the Aqua Divers Club and Scuba Hellas.

The most skilled in the activity of scuba diving will have the opportunity to explore the underwater life in the blue waters of Messinia and to follow the steps of the famous pirate Katoulas in the island, in search of the lost treasure on the Ionian Sea. Respectively, in the facilities of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino beginners will have the opportunity to make their first acquaintance with diving and special prices will apply to all who follow this activity.

Saturday sea-day, will conclude with a demonstration race with Optimist and Laser boats from Maritime Athletic Pylos Association 'Nestor' with the assistance of the Municipality Pylos-Nestor, the Port Authority of Pylos, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development and Explore Messinia.