NAFPAKTOS – In the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis, the AHEPA Cup 2022 Beach Volleyball tournament in Nafpaktos concluded on July 31.

The ambassador, who has roots in the region, accepted the invitation of the local AHEPA Chapter Lepanto 1571 and attended the final, where he enjoyed an exciting match. As the tournament was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of AHEPA in the U.S. (1922-2022), the ambassador’s presence was a recognition of the organization’s service to Hellenism during these 100 years.

“I first came to Nafpaktos when I was 7 years old and my father told me not to forget my roots and this is how I have this place in my heart,” said Ambassador Tsunis. Highlighting AHEPA’s contribution to its century of operation, he noted that “I am an Ahepan from Nafpaktos, I am very happy to be here. It is a great organization and a great event with a wonderful team from Patras who won. I can’t wait to come back next year.”

Among those present were AHEPA Hellas’ Secretary Nikos Dimitropoulos, AHEPA Europe Governor Yiannis Mitropoulos, Nafpaktos Mayor Vasilis Gizas, Hellenic Volleyball Federation (HVF) Secretary Yiannis Veroutis, representatives of AHEPA chapters throughout Greece, as well as other officials.

The AHEPA Cup 2022 Beach Volleyball tournament was another successful event of the local Nafpaktos chapter, which has established the event as an institution in the city for the 9th consecutive year. It was an organization approved by the Hellenic Volleyball Federation (tournament of mixed teams-special event), under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports, under the auspices and sponsorship of the Greek Tourism Organization (GTO) and co-organized by the Municipality of Nafpaktos, the Region of Western Greece, and the Omonoia Nafpaktos Sports Club.

On July 29, the qualifying matches took place so that the final draw of 16 teams could emerge from the total of 21. As there were many quality teams, there followed two days of spectacular, highly competitive matches until the final. There, the team of Konstantina Katsimigas and Vasilis Iliopoulos emerged as champions with a 2-0 set win over their opponents Ioanna Gogousou and Sourtse Emrach. In the third place match, the bronze medal was won by Katerina Gogousou and Konstantinos Vasilakos won the bronze also with 2-0 over 4th place finishers Virginia Sifianou and Vangelis Tsirogiannis.

The refereeing of the matches was impeccable with the referees Andreas Linardatos, Panagiotis Angelopoulos, Giorgos Papachristopoulos, Efthimi Siakavella and Michalis Mavrokephalos of the Peloponnese Referees Association, under the supervision of the beach volleyball referee and technical manager on behalf of HVF, Kostas Baklesis.

The sponsor was the GTO and the company Douros – Meat Processing and Standardization, while the local branch of the Red Cross covered the event with complete success.

Special credit goes to Deputy Mayor for Sports Dino Tsoukalas for his personal interest and undivided support at every stage of the tournament’s preparation.

The athletes, who enjoyed the tournament as well their stay in Nafpaktos this wonderful summer, all look forward to returning for the event in 2023.