Significant Initiatives for Education, Road Safety, and Environmental Sustainability at Navarino Challenge 2024

Rappelling for the First Time in Sphacteria Island

The natural landscape of Messinia in the southwestern Peloponnese, with its sandy beaches and unique view of the historic bay of Navarino, will once again attract people of all ages and abilities in the 12th year of Navarino Challenge. From October 18 to 20, more than 55 activities focusing on sports, environment, and education will be hosted at Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and W Costa Navarino hotels, as well as in the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor.

Navarino Challenge, in collaboration with the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor and with the valuable support of MOTODYNAMICS Group, invests in the pillars of education, road safety, diversity, and the environment, offering unique activities to enrich this year’s event.

Road Safety Seminar “Drive Change Move Safe”

Led by motorsport coach Thanasis Chountras, MOTODYNAMICS Group will organize, for the first time, a road safety seminar “Drive Change Move Safe” powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group for middle and high school students in Methoni, Koroni, and Pylos, at the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor.

Diversity Workshop powered by MOTODYNAMICS

Former international basketball player and European champion, Dimitris Papanikolaou, an ambassador for MOTODYNAMICS Group, will lead the first Diversity Workshop for middle and high school students in Methoni and Koroni.

Gialova Beach Cleaning

The schedule will again feature environmental activities, including the Gialova beach cleaning powered by the MOTODYNAMICS Cleaning Team, with the participation of athletes - ambassadors from the MOTODYNAMICS Group, in collaboration with Moraitis Watersports and volunteers from the Athens University of Economics and Business.

Bike Ride at Voidokilia powered by YAMAHA

One of Navarino Challenge’s most popular activities, bike ride at Voidokilia, will take place again this year in collaboration with Navarino Outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will have the chance to explore the unique Messinian land on top-tier electric bikes from YAMAHA, a member of MOTODYNAMICS Group.

Bike ride in Voidokilia / photo by Elias Lefas @ Navarino Challenge

Book Donation at Tsiklitiras Residence 

Navarino Challenge and MOTODYNAMICS Group will continue their social outreach activities this year. Through the Library4all organization, they will support the library at Tsiklitiras Residence in the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor. Participants on Friday, October 18, are invited to donate a book in good condition, and MOTODYNAMICS Group will match the number of donated books with new ones. The Open Library event, organized by Library4All, will be held at Tsiklitiras Residence, with MOTODYNAMICS Group ambassadors, including Dimitris Papanikolaou, signing 20 books purchased by MOTODYNAMICS Group.

Rappelling & Climbing powered by The North Face 

For the first time, the Navarino Bay Challenge (Rappelling) event will take place on Sphacteria Island, at Navarino Bay. The event will be conducted by the experienced Navarino Outdoors team, supported by The North Face ambassador and renowned mountaineer Panagiotis Kotronaros, who led the first successful Greek expedition to Mt. Everest. The rappelling event will involve participants descending from a cliff while enjoying the stunning natural scenery. Participants will be transported to Sphacteria via Elite Boats’ premium vessels. 

Climbing activities for young participants will also be held with Navarino Outdoors at the indoor Navarino Rocks climbing wall at Costa Navarino.

Pilates / photo by Dimitris Andritsos Photography @ Navarino Challenge

Sunset Beach Pilates with Mandy Persaki 

The beloved physical education instructor Mandy Persaki comes back with Sunset Beach Pilates, improving flexibility, strength, and endurance on the beach at W Costa Navarino, known for its magical sunset view. Additionally, Pilates sessions will be available at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

Sunset Yoga powered by Messinian Spa with Efi Chatzigeorgaki

The Yoga session, implemented to enhance flexibility and mental health, will once again take place this year through Angelic Yoga Arts. It will include Sunset Beach Yoga on the beach at W Costa Navarino, as well as Yoga sessions at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

Sunset Yoga / photo by Elias Lefas @ Navarino Challenge

Run in Magical Voidokilia & Gialova

The routes of Navarino Challenge are designed to meet the needs of all runners. Participants can choose from the 21.1 km Half Marathon run powered by The North Face, which passes through Voidokilia Beach and the Gialova Lagoon, along with the Greek-American tourism ambassador Constantine “Dean” Karnazes, the 10 km seaside run, the 5 km run powered by Miele through olive groves, and the 1 km kids’ run for ages 0-9 and 10-14. The children’s race is free of charge. Registration is available through a dedicated form on the following link.

For the first time, the Run For All – Everyone’s Unique, Everyone’s Equal 1 km race powered by MOTODYNAMICS Group will take place, with participation from the Kalamata-based “DiaforoZO” group.

All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

Book Your Accommodation Package Now 

Enjoy a three-day event full of outdoor activities for all ages. Book now the complete sports activities package and live a unique sports and cultural experience. For more information about accommodation packages at W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, send an email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check out the packages here.

Miele is the Platinum Sponsor of the event.

MOTODYNAMICS Group is the Gold Sponsor.

Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Knorr, and The North Face are Silver Sponsors.

Novo Nordisk is the Strategic Healthcare Sponsor.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water.

hoper is the Official Helicopter Partner.

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

KORRES, Trace ‘n Chase, and Pilia Express are the Bronze Sponsors.

SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group is the Premium Mobility Partner.

Navarino Icons is the Authentic Flavor Partner.

Messinian Nest, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, Bombay Sapphire, Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa are Partners of the event.

Kois Optics are the Official Optics Partner.

Alpha Estate, Vlacha, Messinian Spa, Elite Boats, and Zoe Resort are Supporters.

SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.

Liquid Media is the Premium Media Partner.

Athens Medical Group is Medical Partner.

p³ = Plastic Pollution Prevention is Sustainability Partner.

Athens University of Economics and Business is Educational Partner.

Wilson is the Official Basketball.

The event is Assisted By Vita N Travel, and Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development. 

Angelic Yoga Arts, Falcons Football Academy, FitnessArt, Gymnastics Stars, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena are Athletic Partners.

Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and the Region of Peloponnese. The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group, which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

More information about this year’s activities and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

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