‘Navarino Challenge’ Wins More Awards, Announces Lefteris Petrounias as Honoree of 2017 Event

The “Navarino Challenge” has made exciting announcements three months prior to the organization of the fifth edition of the sports tourism event to take place in Messinia, Costa Navarino, on October 13-15.

Lefteris Petrounias: Honoree at “Navarino Challenge” 2017

The organizers of the event, which is supported by Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, have announced that Lefteris Petrounias, Olympic gold medalist in Rio and world champion in the rings, will be the honoree of the 5th “Navarino Challenge”. Every year athletes who stand out for their overall contribution to sports receive an honorary distinction at the event. Petrounias is an athlete that  has made all Greeks proud, not only with his accomplishments but also with his ethics. Having already won a gold Olympic medal, two gold medals in the world gymnastics championships, as well as four gold and one bronze in European tournaments and championships in rings, Petrounias is considered an exemplary athlete for young people and the “Navarino Challenge” is proud to acknowledge his offer to sports.

But the news does not not stop there!

Messinia’s multiple award-winning sports tourism event continues with new distinctions! Following its win of the Gold Ermis Award as best sports tourism event, the “Navarino Challenge” received a double gold distinction at the recently held Sports Marketing Awards 2017, which highlight the best practices in the marketing and communication of the Greek sports market.

The “Navarino Challenge” event scooped up a gold award in the “Sports Events / Branded Events” section in the “Live Well” category for the values promoted through its program of activities. According to an announcement, it was also recognized as an event that attracted thousands of participants, reinforced the local community, promoted the athletic ideal and contributed to the strengthening of a healthy lifestyle, distinguishing itself in terms of design, creativity, innovation, efficiency and effectiveness.

The “Navarino Challenge” received a second gold award in the “Sports Brands” section of the “Integrated Marketing Campaign” category for the best communication and marketing campaign launched in 2016, in the light of strong creativity, ingenuity, originality and excellence.

Navarino Challenge: Running in Voidokilia. Photo: Loukas Hapsis

5th “Navarino Challenge”

Aiming to innovate every year, the “Navarino Challenge” is now an event, not only with the most sports activities, but also with the most Olympic sports, this way contributing to the promotion of sports and the promotion of Greek tourism.

Registrations for this year’s “Navarino Challenge” can be made through the special entry form available here.

Navarino Challenge: Swimming

Participants may select to run in the Half Marathon (21,1km), the 10 km route and the 5km run (for running and dynamic walking). On the same day, children may run a 1km running route. This year, there will be race timing for all runners. Participants will have also have the opportunity to cover the unique swimming route of one mile (1.6 km.) in the Navarino bay at the port of Pylos and take part in the Stand Up Paddling race by BIC Sport that will be held under the support of the best surf club, Surf Salad!

Cocktail Night by Qatar Airways. Photo credit: by Elias Lefas

An exclusive offer for roundtrip tickets to travel to the “Navarino Challenge” via Athens from over 150 destinations is available by the event’s official airline partner Qatar Airways through the following link and using the promo code ATHNAVCH to book here. The offer is valid October 3-15 and includes (Outbound) and (Inbound) to be completed on or before October 25. According to the organizers, participants should be ready for more surprises to be announced by the airline during the event.

Privileged accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are available for those wishing to enjoy the full schedule of “Navarino Challenge”, which includes more than 10 free sports activities. For further information, press here.

Organized by Active Media, “Navarino Challenge” will be held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and supported by Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

The official sponsors of “Navarino Challenge” are “Vikos” natural mineral water and Ford Motor Hellas and official supporters include BIC, BIC Sport, Wyndham Grand Athens, Poseidonia and Surf Salad. The event is assisted by Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Navarino Racquet Academy and Apia. National Geographic is the strategic TV partner of “Navarino Challenge”.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media sponsor of the 5th “Navarino Challenge”.