The "Navarino Challenge" follows as every year the purpose of the Olympic Movement, which is to contribute to building a better world by educating young people - through sport, without discrimination - and in the Olympic spirit. From Messenia, the message "Sports Unites" begins to be spread throughout the world with the participation of Olympic athletes and hall of famers, such as with Lifeguard Recertification the basketball legend Nikos Gales, the silver medalist Spyros Gianni Otis, as well as participants of all abilities and ages. The "Navarino Challenge" will take place for the 7th consecutive year, on October 11-13, 2019, in Messenia and Costa Navarino.
Open sea swimming race in Pylos
The silver Olympic medalist and world champion in open water swimming, Spyros Gianni Otis, will be in the beautiful bay of Navarino's for another year, on Saturday, October 12.
The Olympic silver medalist and world champion, Spyros Gianni Otis in Navarino Bay (photo by Elias Lefsa)
Amateurs and professional athletes will have the opportunity to swim with him in competition and timing, in the picturesque port of Pylos, at the point where the crucial naval battle that was the beginning of the new Greek state took place, covering the separate swimming route of 1 mile (1 ,6 km.), in the open water swimming race by Vikus. The race will be held with the approval of the Greek Swimming Federation. The course has been edited by the federal swimming coach, Nikos Gemmell's (coach who has given us countless Olympic and world awards in open sea swimming).
Watch the following video and enjoy beautiful moments from the event's swimming competition:
Coastal rowing for the first time at the "Navarino Challenge"
On Saturday, October 12, in the historic bay of Navarino, a relay race and demonstration of coastal rowing will take place for the first time, under the auspices of the Hellenic Rowing Federation. The race will be held in the presence of the Greek champion and two-time Olympic medalist in the lightweight double skiff event, Vasilis Polymerous, Commissioner of National Teams of the EKOFNS, who will be another honored person of this year's event.
Coastal paddling for the first time in the "Navarino Challenge"
Activities for parents and children at The Dunes Beach
With a view of the dunes and the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea, the sandy beach The Dunes Beach will offer absolute peace, tranquility and sports possibilities to young and old participants of the "Navarino Challenge".
Beachathlon for parents and children with the Olympian and world champion, Pericles Iakovakis (photo by Mike Solis)
After last year's mass participation of children in the Beachathlon activity, this year for the first time, the participation of parents will also be included in the program of the multi-awarded event. This action, which includes athletics competitions (roads, jumps, throws) at The Dunes Beach of Costa Navarino, will be implemented under the supervision of the Olympic champion and world champion in the 400m. with obstacles, Pericles Iakovakis and will be addressed to children aged 6-13 and parents.
The sport of beach volleyball returns again this year with the former international Greek volleyball player and record holder for appearances with the Greek National Team, Michalis Triantafyllidis. During the three days, beach volleyball lessons by Samsung will be held, as well as the Samsung King & Queen Beach Volley Tournament from the Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, with Michalis Triantafyllidis.
Beach volleyball lessons by Samsung from the Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, with Michalis Triantafyllidis (photo by Elias Lefsa)
Finally, the benefits of exercise and personal well-being will benefit young and old who will do the activity of beach yoga by Messinian Spa from Finesser of Dimitris Moro, with instructor Katina Priovolou great results swimming.
Enjoy unique moments from the actions that will take place at The Dunes Beach in the video below:
Accommodation Packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
Those of the Navarino Challenge participants who book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in the main events (running, swimming) will additionally have the opportunity to enjoy the full program of the event that includes more than 30 sports activities.
The program of the event includes, among others: boccia from the gold Paralympian Grigoris Polychrotids, Pilates lessons from Mantis Perlaki's, high intensity training for young and old from Dimitris Moros & Finesser, indoor cycling (team teaching) for young and old from trainer, Tess Arauca's and Dimitris Moros, powered by Finesser, baby swimming lessons for children up to 3 years old from the Swim Academy & Red Swim Academy, aqua aerobic lessons from the Swim Academy & Red Swim Academy, climbing lessons from the Navarino Outdoors team , cycling in Voidokilia with the support of Navarino Outdoors, as well as golf lessons from the Navarino Golf Academy team with American Lifeguard VA.