ATHENS – The top sports tourism fest Navarino Challenge is approaching and will unite people of all ages and abilities for the 9th year, at Costa Navarino and Pylos, Messinia, October 15-17.

Each year, Navarino Challenge honors role-model athletes for their contribution to sports and society. This year, the Paralympic gold medalist in the 100 meters Nasos Ghavelas and his guide Sotiris Garaganis will be honored. They both offered emotional moments and pride for Greece at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, while also setting a world record (with a time of 10:82) in the final. This is the second gold medal coming from Pylos, Ghavelas’ place of origin, after that of Kostis Tsiklitiras, 109 years ago.

As part of this year’s event, Navarino Challenge will also honor the top international basketball player of all time, Olympian and Eurobasket MVP Evina Maltsi. Basketball fans will have the opportunity to meet her at the 4on4 tournament, while children will learn the sport’s basic principles by the great athlete, together with the Euroleague Legend, Joe Arlaukas.

Running in Voidokilia. Photo: Navarino Challenge

The schedule of Navarino Challenge 2021

With its message “sport unites people,” the event promotes again this year the benefits of exercise, the Olympic values and fair play with more than 30 sports activities and 15 Olympic sports. The event’s detailed schedule is available online: https://www.navarinochallenge.com/event-2021/schedule-2021/.

Bike Ride to Voidokilia & Indoor Climbing

With the experience and dynamics of Navarino Outdoors, participants will have the opportunity to bike ride to the beautiful Voidokilia and enjoy the unique Messinian landscape. For more information and participation outdoors(at)costanavarino.com

At the Navarino Rocks indoor climbing wall, people of all ages will be able to take climbing lessons.

Register now for running

Run in one of the top Greek Half Marathons of 21.1km, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean (Konstantine) Karnazes, in the 10km route or the fun 5km route by Samsung. Runners can participate by completing the available form through the following link. Moreover, the 1km children’s route will be held in two groups, for children 10-14 years old and kids up to 9 years of age. The children’s race is held for free.

Book your room now.

Bike Ride to Voidokilia. Photo by Elias Lefas / Navarino Challenge

For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino email: booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070.

Navarino Challenge will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sport of the Ministry of Culture & Sport, the International Olympic Academy, and the Greek National Tourism Organization.

The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2021 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production. All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

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