ATHENS – Navarino Challenge is one of the most important events in Greece’s sports tourism calendar. After a challenging period for all, the first Greek event to be distinguished at the World Tourism Awards in London, and a landmark for Messinia, makes a dynamic comeback. On October 15-17, visitors from all over the world will experience once again a series of activities at Costa Navarino and Pylos, that will generate  positive emotions, highlight the authentic values of the sports ideal, promote the Olympic spirit and bring life to one of the most beautiful regions of Greece, Messinia.

More than 30 sports activities, with the presence of Olympic athletes alongside amateur athletes of all ages and abilities, in the utmost safe destination, compose the elements of the top sports tourism celebration, Navarino Challenge.

The event returns for the 9th year with its global message “sport unites people,” bringing everyone together again, offering the opportunity to Greek and foreign participants to discover through this top sports fest, the Messinian magical landscape and its history.

Discover your favorite sport alongside Olympic athletes

Navarino Challenge is the richest and most unique sports festival, as it offers the opportunity for everyone to discover the sport they prefer the most, among more than 30 sports activities and 15 Olympic sports. All these sports take place together with role model athletes and Olympians who promote the Olympic values, such as the boccia gold Paralympic medalist and world champion Grigoris Polychronidis, the two-time silver Olympic medalist in taekwondo Alexandros Nikolaidis, the Olympian and EuroBasket MVP Evina Maltsi, the Olympian and European champion at 400m with hurdles Periklis Iakovakis and the European long jump champion who competes at the Tokyo Olympics Miltos Tentoglou.

The Navarino Challenge 2021 teaser video is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-s7ceol8wCA.

Run in the unique Greek Half Marathon crossing Voidokilia beach

Participants in the Navarino Challenge 2021 will have the opportunity to run in one of the top Greek Half Marathons of 21.1km, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes. They will also have the ability to choose the 10km route or the fun 5km route by Samsung, which can be completed even with dynamic walking. Runners, starting from Navarino Dunes at Costa Navarino, will run along the coast to Pylos and will cross the beautiful beach of Voidokilia, while passing by Gialova lagoon. On the same day, 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.

Register now in the running activities

Runners can act promptly and take advantage of the early bird offer on registration until August 10. Athletes can register in the Half Marathon with a 40% discount and find out about valid early bird offers in all other routes. The children’s race is held at no cost. The event, always having the participants as a top priority, offers a refund on their registration costs until August 31. Entries for Navarino Challenge are underway and interested parties can participate by completing the available form through the following link: https://www.myrace.gr/en/event/2453/registrations.html.

Sea kayaking

Starting from Poseidonia in the port of Pylos, on Saturday, October 16, a sea kayak tour around the island of Sphacteria will take place, with the support of Explore Messinia. Participants will paddle towards the inner side of the Navarino Bay exploring the coastline of Sphacteria. For entries: welcome (at) exploremessinia.com

Take part in the Beach Volleyball Tournament

Overlooking the sand dunes and crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, The Dunes Beach will host the Navarino Challenge King of the Court Beach Volley Tournament by Samsung for the first time. The Olympic sport of beach volleyball returns with the former international Greek volleyball player and record holder for participations with the Greek National Team Michalis Triantafyllidis as its ambassador. On Saturday, October 16, the tournament will include separate categories for men and women, while on Sunday, October 17, the tournament will be mixed. During this weekend, the 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: [email protected]

Outdoor activities for the whole family!

The schedule of Navarino Challenge offers the opportunity to discover sports and their benefits, alongside top instructors. Activities include taekwondo with the two-time silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, basketball lessons for children 5-16 years old, with the Olympian Evina Maltsi and the Euroleague legend Joe Arlauckas, 4on4 basketball tournament, beachathlon for children 6-13 years old with the Olympian and European champion Periklis Iakovakis, boxing lessons with the champion Christos Gatsis and the Vizantinos Target Sport Club, kick boxing lessons for all ages with the champion Alexandros Nikolaidis, high intensity training by Nestle Fitness for all ages, group cycling (spinning challenge), crossfit and beach yoga with the top personal trainer Dimitris Moros and FitnessArt, Pilates lessons by Nestle Fitness with the team of the physical education instructor Mandy Persaki, tennis cross training with the support of Navarino Racquet Academy and Panellinios Agora Games, bike ride to Voidokilia and climbing lessons in collaboration with Navarino Outdoors and golf lessons with the support of Navarino Golf Academy.

For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino email: [email protected] or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070.

At the top of the 2021 Tourism Awards with a Platinum Award

Navarino Challenge received the highest distinction of the Platinum award at the Tourism Awards for its Advertising Campaign & Media Promotion. In a difficult year during the pandemic, this top event managed to design an innovative campaign, informing the public about the pandemic and safety measures for all, with simultaneous educational, recreational, and experiential additions.

Moreover, the event won the Silver award in the Travel Show category for the highly successful collaboration with the award-winning Greek-American Chef Diane Kochilas and the great Greek-American ultra-marathon runner Dean Karnazes, highlighting the Mediterranean diet and promoting Messinia and Costa Navarino, as an ideal health and wellness tourism destination through the award-winning travel and cooking show My Greek Table which airs on American Public Television.

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Website: www.navarinochallenge.com

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YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/NavarinoChallenge