10 Jun The Chief of the General Staff of National Defence attended the Opening Ceremony of the 54th World Military Sailing Championship in Greece
On Friday, 9 June 2023, General Konstantinos Floros declared the opening of the 54th World Military Sailing Championship of CISM that takes place in Greece from Wednesday 7 to Thursday 15 June 2023, in a ceremony hosted at the premises of the Hellenic Naval Academy in Piraeus.
The Greek and foreign athletes were welcomed by the Chief of General Staff. In his speech General Konstantinos Floros emphasized the sport of sailing which is inextricably linked to the Greek tradition, pointing out the particularity that characterizes it, as sailors among the competition they also have to face the challenges of the weather conditions during the race.
Furthermore, special reference was given to the historical symbolism of holding the event in the area of the Saronic Gulf, where more than two thousand five hundred years ago the Naval Battle of Salamis took place.
Later, he highlighted the common virtues and values that link the Armed Forces and sports, including perseverance and commitment to victory, which is demonstrated by the inclusion of sports in all military training programs worldwide.
In closing, the Chief of the General Staff, underlined the key role of CISM in promoting the spirit of sports in the Armed Forces, and at the same time acknowledged all the organizations that support the conduct of the Military Sailing Championship and wished success to the competitors.
The opening ceremony was also attended by:
– The Ambassador of Ukraine to Greece Mr. Shutenko Sergii.
– The Chief of the General Staff, Vice Admiral Themistocles Bourolias.
– The Inspector General of the Army – Commander of Doctrine and Training Lieutenant General Anastasios Spanos as the representative of the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Angelos Houdeloudis.
– Vice Admiral Francis Leloudas, Vice Admiral of the General Staff.
– The Commander of the Hellenic Naval Academy Rear Admiral Christos Sasiakos HN as representative of the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ioannis Drimousis HN,
the 2nd Vice Chief of the Coast Guard – Greek Coast Guard Vice Admiral CG – Greek Coast Guard Aristides Pantazoglou as representative of the Chief of the Coast Guard
– Greek Coast Guard Vice Admiral L.S. Georgios Alexandrakis and Major General Christos Manouras as representative of the Chief of the Greek Police (EL.AS.) Lieutenant General Lazaros Mavropoulos.
