International sports events of running races, free diving from great heights, mini-football and sailing races with catamarans are being held in the coming weeks in Pylos, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno and the Saronic Gulf, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Specifically:
• Next Saturday, September 27, the “Tsiklitiraia 2025” will be held in Pylos, in memory of the great athlete and Olympic champion (in 1908 and 1912), Kostis Tsiklitiras, who came from the Messinian town. The event includes 1,500 m, 5 km and 10 km races, a long jump demonstration race, a sport in which Tsiklitiras excelled, activities for children and families and cultural events with the participation of local clubs. The organizers aim to highlight the life and work of Tsiklitiras, promote amateur sports, and more intensively promote the athletic and cultural identity of the region.
• On the same weekend of September 27 and 28, the “Cliff Diving Agios Nikolaos” will be held at Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos, Crete. Top athletes from around the world will perform spectacular jumps into the water from great heights, without the use of special equipment, transforming the port into a setting of unique intensity and beauty. It is an experience that combines sports, culture and tourism, bringing together visitors, residents and adventure lovers. “Cliff Diving Agios Nikolaos” kicks off World Tourism Day, which is why its parallel program includes cultural events, such as traditional dances, gastronomy festivals, DJ parties, etc.
• From October 16 to 20, again in Crete, but this time at the Sochora stadium in Rethymno, the TUI Socca Champions League, the largest global inter-club mini-football championship 6X6 and 8X8, will take place. The championship is organized by the international federation of the sport ((International SOCCA Federation) and local bodies and this year more than 100 teams from 40 countries from all continents are expected to take part. On October 21 and 22, the same venue will also host the TUI Socca Aegean Cup, with the participation of four national men’s teams and the same number of national women’s teams, continuing the celebration of the sport. The TUI Socca Champions League, which has been assigned to Rethymno for a three-year period (2024-2026), has already elevated the city to an international sports and tourist destination, combining the passion of mini football with the hospitality and cultural identity of Crete.
• Moreover, on October 25, the 15th Catamarans Cup International Regatta sailing race will start from Alimos Marina, a particularly successful and significant international event event, which combines the pleasure of sailing with a relaxing week of vacation in Greece. The race attracts hundreds of sailors of all skill levels from Greece and dozens of other countries every year, who, in addition to the racing program, have the opportunity to visit popular Greek islands and coastal destinations. In this year’s event, participants will sail to Poros and then to Porto Heli, Paralio Astros and Nafplio, where the awards ceremony will take place. They will then return to Alimos Marina for the conclusion of the event on November 1st.
