For the seventh consecutive year, a unique sports tourism event called the “Navarino Challenge” will take place in the Greek region of Messinia.
Hosted by Costa Navarino, the challenge will take place October 11-13. It includes rowing, swimming and beach sports, among other activities, as well as the participation of Greek Olympic athletes such as silver medalist Nick Galis and gold medalist Spyros Gianniotis.
Among other activities, the event offers participants the opportunity to swim alongside Gianniotis at Pylos harbor — the site of a critical naval battle during the Greek war of independence.
The open water swimming race covers a 1-mile (1.6 km) route charted by Nikos Gemelos, the Greek national swimming coach whose athletes have received numerous Olympic and world-class honors.
The video below shows highlights from last year’s swimming race.
The Navarino Challenge also includes a coastal rowing relay race and demonstration — being held for the first time at the historic Navarino bay under the auspices of the Hellenic Rowing Federation in the presence of Vassilis Polymeros, a two-time Olympic medalist in lightweight double sculls competition. Polymeros is also set to be honored at this year’s event.
In addition to swimming and rowing, the Dunes Beach will offers various beach activities for parents and children, including a series of track and field competitions guided by Olympic champion Periklis Iakovakis.
Other beach activities include playing volleyball with former Greek national player Michalis Triantafyllidis, who holds the team’s record for most appearances. Triantafyllidis will also give lessons to participants.
The video below shows highlights beach sports at last year’s Navarino Challenge.
The Navarino Challenge is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.
The event is co-organized by Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with support from the municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.
Costa Navarino is a tourism complex located in Messinia featuring five-star deluxe hotels, luxury residences, conference facilities, spas, golf centers and other facilities. The Westin Resort has been voted one of the best resorts in Greece and one of the foremost vacation destinations in Europe.
In 2017, readers of Condé Nast Traveler selected The Westin as one of the continent’s best. The resort features deluxe rooms, family rooms and suites in a seaside location.
Featured image: Silver Olympic medalist and world champion Spyros Gianniotis at the picturesque harbor of Pylos / Photo courtesy of Elias Lefas
See photos from the Navarino Challenge
Beachathlon for parents and children with Olympic and world champion Periklis Iakovakis. (Photo courtesy of Mike Tsolis) 
Coastal rowing for the first time at the Navarino Challenge. 
Beach volleyball lessons by Samsung from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena with Michalis Triantafyllidis. (Photo courtesy of Elias Lefas)
Watch a teaser video
Click here to fill out an entry form for the Navarino Challenge
Click here for information about accommodation packages.
Pre-sale tickets are also available here
The first 50 people to book their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino will be eligible to win free participation at the Authentic Athens Marathon 5km race on Sunday, November 10.
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