The Municipality of Chania reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive public space by presenting in Nea Chora the new, upgraded Sea Trac sea access system for people with disabilities. The installation of the self-propelled machine took place in the presence of Mayor Panagiotis Simandirakis, Deputy Mayor for Local Economy and Development Yiannis Nikiforakis, and Paralympic and World Champion in swimming, Antonis Tsapatakis.
The Sea Trac system, acquired with the Municipality’s own resources, offers safe and autonomous access to the sea for people with mobility difficulties, while it can be dismantled and stored to protect it from weather conditions.
“Based on a request from Antonis Tsapatakis, we have proceeded with the renewal and expansion of the disabled access equipment on our beaches,” said the Mayor of Chania, adding that this year five modern self-propelled and four manual systems were installed at key points on the coastal front, in combination with enhanced lifeguard coverage and specialized support staff.
Deputy Mayor Yiannis Nikiforakis pointed out that the Sea Trac systems have already been installed in Agioi Apostoli (2), Nea Chora (1), Agios Onoufrios (1), and Marathi (1). In addition, manual wheelchairs are available on beaches such as Chrysi Akti, Vlites, Stavros, and Agia Marina, with the support of lifeguards.
At the same time, a proposal has been submitted to the Recovery Fund for the procurement of four more self-propelled systems, which, with the approval of the Ministry of Tourism, will enhance accessibility to beaches in the areas of Akrotiri, Souda (Kalami), Nea Kydonia and an additional point on the Golden Coast.
Antonis Tsapatakis, in an emotionally charged intervention, emphasized the importance of the Municipality’s immediate response:
“We requested the installation of a new machine in Nea Chora so that people with disabilities can experience the sea. The response was immediate. We are not here to be criticized, but to show the way to other Municipalities. The protection and proper use of these systems is everyone’s responsibility. So that they remain functional for those who need them.”
