Drisbioti, Rouwendaal, Carlin,
Iakovakis and more global stars in Santorini
Athens, September 28, 2022 – The
great event of Santorini Experience that celebrates the cultural, sports and
sea tourism in one of the world’s top destinations, returned after two years of
pandemic. The new impressive running routes and the established one-of-a-kind
open water swimming route, having the unique Aegean images of Fira, Oia,
Imerovigli, Akrotiri and the Volcano as a magnificent background scenery,
gathered, amateur and professional swimmers and runners in Santorini from 22
countries such as U.S.A., Brazil, Uruguay, South Africa, Nigeria, Jamaica,
India, Great Britain, Germany and France on September 23-25.
Culture in the spotlight with the
Daedalic Kore of Thira
During Santorini Experience, the
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, the Mayor of Thira, Mr.
Antonios Sigalas and the Deputy Mayor of Thira and Head of Culture, Ms. Sofia
Kitsou visited the Daedalic Kore of Thira. The rare masterpiece of Greek
sculpture from the 7th century BC, which came to light in 2000 by the Thiraean
archaeologist Charalambos Sigalas, during a rescue excavation in the cemetery
of the ancient city of Thira, in southeastern Sellada, is now the central
exhibit of the under renovation Archaeological Museum of Thira. The world now,
has the opportunity to admire the archaic Kore made of white Naxian marble of
supernatural size, with height 2.30m and weight 750 kg, 22 years after its
discovery.
In the context of her visit in
Santorini, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki said: “I had the
pleasure of being in Santorini on September 23-25, at an iconic sports tourism
event, the Santorini Experience, which has been revived after a two-year
absence and is now establishing itself as a major sporting event, uniting
culture and sports, with many participant athletes from all over the world. The
participants even had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the
under-renovation museum of Santorini and admire the Kore of Thira, a unique
point of cultural reference not only for the island but also for Greece and the
world. With the special forms of tourism, such as sports and cultural tourism,
a fact emerges that all destinations of our country, even the most popular ones
like Santorini, have the possibility to further diversify their tourist
product, offering even more qualitative options to the visitor. It is a central
priority of the Ministry of Tourism to support events such as Santorini
Experience, to which we gave our auspices with great pleasure, reflecting our
will for practical support for similar initiatives throughout the country.
Greece and Greeks, with this year's success of tourism, have shown that we are
able not only to overcome global crises, but also exceed all expectations. The
bet for the future is for tourism development to be sustainable, balanced and
qualitative. And in this, the role of institutions like Santorini Experience is
pivotal”.
At the same time, the Mayor of Thira,
Mr. Antonios Sigalas said, among other things: “We had a very successful event
that made a new start and created a dynamic presence in culture as well. I am
very satisfied that the Half Marathon was named after the Daedalic Kore of
Thira and today we are at the Archaeological Museum of Santorini where we had
the honor and pleasure of accompanying the Deputy Minister of Tourism Ms.
Zacharaki to enjoy this amazing work. The Municipality of Thira, which places a
great deal of emphasis on tourism, but even more on culture and sports, proved
the success of its investment program with the Ministry of Culture once again,
which supports all these actions and the completion of this space so that Kore
can continue to be visited for years to come. Many thanks to everyone who
contributed to this great success”.
World Class Names in Santorini
Experience 2022
Significant athletes conveyed the
message of culture, emitted by the Daedalic Kore of Thira, through their
presence at this year’s Santorini Experience.
The athletes who were present in
Santorini and were honored by the event were:
The two-time European gold medalist
and Olympian in race walking Antigoni Drisbioti, who honored Greece and made
everyone proud with her successes at the European Athletics Championships in
Munich
The Dutch gold and silver Olympic
medalist, world champion and 8-time European champion in open water swimming
Sharon van Rouwendaal
The British two-time silver Olympic
medalist in open water swimming Jazz Carlin
One of the top names in Greek
athletics, the Olympian and European champion in the 400m. with hurdles
Periklis Iakovakis
and the Greek-American ultramarathon
Konstantine Dean Karnazes who promoted and spread the message of Santorini’s
sports and cultural tradition with his participation, in the United States of
America and around the world.
New impressive running routes
The 2022 program included a new route
for the 5km as well as a Half Marathon for the first time.
In addition, the participants in the
5km “Aristides Alafouzos” saw for the first time on Friday, September 23,
Santorini from a different ankle, specifically from Akrotiri, one of the most
important prehistoric settlements in Europe and admired a new, but equally
magical view than the one we are all used to seeing.
Starting from the church of Saint
Raphael, runners headed towards the Akrotiri Lighthouse, one of the oldest
lighthouses in Greece built in 1892 and reached the westernmost point of the
island, returning to Saint Raphael for their finish. At the starting line of
the race the two-time European gold medalist and Olympian in race walking
Antigoni Drisbioti, the Olympian and European champion in the 400m. with
hurdles Periklis Iakovakis, the former international goalkeeper and European
champion with the Greek national football team Antonis Nikopolidis and
EuroLeague Legend Joe Arlauckas were present.
On Saturday September 24, the “Daedalic
Kore of Thira” Half Marathon was held starting from the Holy Church of Saint
George in Oia, passing through the enchanting areas of Imerovigli and Fira and
finish back to Oia. This route received the name “Daedalic Kore of Thira”,
after the unique archaeological finding dating back to 640 BC.
Both running races were co-organized
with AS Ifestos Thira and EAS SEGAS Cyclades.
The best swimming route in the world
On Sunday September 25, participants
swam in the unique 1.5 miles (2.4 km) “L & E Nomikos” open water swimming
route of Santorini Experience that was held from the volcano to the old port of
Fira, having the imposing view of the island in front of them, with the
approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.
World class names took part in the swim,
including the Dutch gold and silver Olympic medalist, world champion and 8-time
European champion in open water swimming Sharon van Rouwendaal that finished
first, the British two-time silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming Jazz
Carlin, as well as athletes of the Greek national swimming team such as
Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti, Panagiotis Chiotis, Marina Triantafyllidi
and Marina Pakou.
The route was named in honor of the
benefactor Evangelos Nomikos and his wife, in whose memory the “Loula &
Evangelos Nomikos” Foundation was created, which built the visionary Cable Car
40 years ago. The route has been designed by the race’s technical director with
Olympic and world championship distinctions in swimming, Nikos Gemelos. The
event was honored with the presence of the Greek world champion in open water
swimming and athletes’ representative in the Hellenic Swimming Federation’s
Board of Directors, Kelly Araouzou.
See here the races’ results: https://bit.ly/3xVGziQ
Swimming race with utmost safety
Santorini Boatmen’s Association
contributed to the absolute safety of the race, which transported the athletes
to the volcano and contributed to the smooth implementation of the open water
swimming. Moreover, the race was assisted by the 100 specialized escorts in the
water, mainly with the support of Lifeguard Patrol which, in addition to its
staff, had several lifeboats, the Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, the
Atlantis Dive Center, the Santorini Nautical Club, and Caldera Yachting, all
together having more than 30 boats alongside the athletes! Santorini Experience
looked after the swimmers by providing the safety buoy which all swimmers were
required to wear for safety. In fact, athletes like Rouwendaal and Carlin set
an example by swimming with a safety buoy too.
With the end of the swimming race,
the technical director, Mr. Nikos Gemelos, said: “Every year at Santorini
Experience is unique. This year, however, is the year that the event was re-introduced
so that it will keep taking place again every year. This repetition helps us
not to miss this beautiful event and ensures that the experience can be lived
by everyone. Events like Santorini Experience bring people closer to swimming”.
All participants received a technical
t-shirt with the new, exquisite design of the event from Luanvi, while swimmers
also received a swimming cap. Santo Maris Oia and Blue Star Ferries each
offered a sustainable backpack, while at the end of each route Erotokritos Cretan
Bakery took care of the guests with traditional flavors and of course Vikos,
provided the necessary hydration before, during and after the races.
Numerous side actions
During Santorini Experience, in
addition to the races and the visit to the Archaeological Museum of Thira, the
following side actions were held: an impressive Sunset Pilates Session with
physical education instructor Mandy Persaki at Santo Maris Oia, Cocktails at
Esperisma bar restaurant and Volcano View, a unique Boat Tour at the enchanting
Santorini from Travel to Greece by Med Shore Tours & Travel, as well as
rich meals at Seaside Santorini, Trinacria, The Dolphins and Skala restaurants.
The sponsors alongside the event
The event could not have happened
without the implicit support of top Greek companies as well as hotel units that
are among the best hotels in the world.
The event’s Official Sponsors
included Metaxa Hospitality Group - Santo Maris that created the completely
relaxing and rejuvenating Relax Day Spa package for the optimal performance of
the athletes and Blue Star Ferries which traveled all participants with safety
offering them significant discounts.
Seaside Santorini was the Signature
Sponsor.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water was the
event’s Official Water which offered the necessary hydration and rejuvenation
to all athletes.
Alafouzos Sport was the Official
Sports Store, while also acting as the registration center for the races.
Luanvi was the Official Sports
Supplier taking care of the athletes’ clothing.
Englobia was the Official Travel
Partner which offered special hospitality packages and discounts for the best
service of all participants.
Esperisma bar restaurant and Caldera
Yachting were the Official Supporters.
Blue Island Rental, Trinacria, Travel
to Greece by Med Shore Tours & Travel, Holiday Tours Santorini, Lux Bar
Santorini, The Dolphins restaurant, Skala Restaurant and Volcano View were the
event’s Partners.
The event was assisted by: Santorini
Boatmen’s Association, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini and
Erotokritos Cretan Bakery.
In such a difficult period for
hoteliers in Santorini, their response and participation as Hospitality
Sponsors in the Santorini Experience was truly honorable and at the same time
impressive. In fact, more than 30 hotel units offered an unforgettable
three-day stay to all their guests, which was highlighted by everyone: Santo
Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Nous Santorini, Kivotos
Santorini, Fanouris Condo by Meraki Collection, Apeiron Blue Santorini Luxury
Suites, West East Suites, Sienna Eco Resort, White Pearl Villas, De Sol Hotel
& Spa, The Tsitouras Collection, 270 Oia’s View Lydia’s House Santorini, El
Greco Resort & Spa, Santorini Palace, Vedema - A Luxury Collection Resort
Santorini, K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Andronis Colombo’s Beachfront Hotel,
Loizos Stylish Residences, Santo Houses, Holiday Beach Resort, Marvarit Suites,
Glaros Hotel Santorini, Athina Luxury Suites.
Emphasis on Environmental
Sustainability
Throughout Santorini Experience, the
Dive In Action team made sure to achieve a zero footprint at all locations
where this year’s races took place.
The value of volunteering
The support offered in all actions by
the volunteers of the Sports Management Society of Deree - American College of
Greece was very important for the successful implementation of the event.
Santorini Experience took place for
the 6th year and was organized by the Municipality of Thira, the Region of
South Aegean and the Sports Tourism department of ActiveMedia Group.
The event was held under the auspices
of the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sports of the Ministry
of Culture and Sports and the Greek National Tourism Organization with the
approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.
Santorini Experience joined the Greek
actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2022 program of the European Commission and was
held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.
ActiveMedia Group undertook the
event’s Sports Production.
The hashtag #SantoriniExperience was
the number one trend of the weekend with people uploading unique moments from
Santorini and the event on social media.
Website: www.santorini-experience.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SantoriniExperience
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/
Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/Sant_Experience
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGconq7q45TYim8qFg71XlA
Crédito foto:
1: No Daedalic Kore de Thira no Museu
Arqueológico de Thira / Da esquerda: Vice-prefeito de Thira e Chefe de Cultura,
Sofia Kitsou – Prefeito de Thira; - Sofia Zacharaki - Santorini Experience
(Foto de Angelos Zymaras @ Santorini Experience)
2: Meia Maratona "Daedalic Core
of Thira" (foto de Elias Lefas @ Santorini Experience)
3: Konstantine Dean Karnazes na
Santorini Experience 2022 (foto de Angelos Zymaras @ Santorini Experience)
4: Da esquerda: CEO do Grupo
ActiveMedia, Akis Tsolis - Vice-prefeito de Thira e Chefe de Cultura, Sofia
Kitsou - Vice-Ministra do Turismo, Sofia Zacharaki - ultramaratona
greco-americana Dean Karnazes - Prefeito de Thira, Charalampos Darzentas (foto
de Mike Tsolis @ Santorini Experience)
5: Da esquerda: Ex-goleiro
internacional e campeão europeu com a seleção grega de futebol, Antonis
Nikopolidis - campeão olímpico e europeu nos 400m. com obstáculos Periklis
Iakovakis - Duas vezes campeão europeu de ouro em marcha atlética Antigoni
Drisbioti (foto de Mike Tsolis @ Santorini Experience)
6: Impressionante foto subaquática de
SantoriniExperience 2022 / Sharon Van Rouwendaal e Dimitris Negris (foto de
Elias Lefas @ Santorini Experience)
7: Da esquerda: Vice-Ministra do
Turismo, Sofia Zacharaki – Campeã de Natação, Dimitris Negris – Medalhista de
Ouro Olímpico e Campeão Mundial de Natação em Águas Abertas Sharon Van
Rouwendaal - Campeã de Natação, Panagiotis Chiotis - Prefeito de Thira, Antonios
Sigalas - Vice-prefeito de Thira & Head of Culture, Sofia Kitsou (foto de
Mike Tsolis @ Santorini Experience)
8: Impressionante foto de drone da
natação em águas abertas da Santorini Experience 2022 / From the Volcano to the
Old Port in Fira (foto de Boo Productions @ Santorini Experience)
9: 5km "Aristides
Alafouzos" em Akrotiri (foto de Angelos Zymaras @ Santorini Experience)
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