For the sixth consecutive year, Special Olympics Hellas are returning to welcoming Crete and the tranquil Lake Kournas, where the 2025 Panhellenic Special Olympics Kayaking Games will take place from October 31 to November 2, 2025. The event is held under the auspices of the Municipality of Apokoronas, in collaboration with the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak Federation and the Nautical Club of Chania.

Sixty athletes from Special Olympics Hellas will take part, coming from training programs based in Attica, Thessaloniki, Kastoria, Chalkida, and Chania. Alongside them, athletes from the Nautical Club of Chania will join as unified partners, forming mixed teams of athletes with and without disabilities — a celebration of inclusion and acceptance. Under the guidance of coaches, escorts, and volunteers, the participants will compete in individual, team, and unified events.

The Opening Ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 1 at 11:00 AM, and will be officially declared open by the President of Special Olympics Hellas, Ambassador (ret.) Mr. Dionysios Kodellas. Attending the ceremony will be representatives from the government and local authorities, including Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum Mrs. Sevi Voloudaki, Member of Parliament Mr. Giorgos Stamatis, Mayor of Apokoronas Mr. Charalambos Koukianakis, members of the Special Olympics Hellas board, President of the Nautical Club of Chania Mr. Ioannis Chios, and Vice President of the Canoe-Kayak Federation and Club Supervisor Mr. Nikos Kouridakis. The event will continue with final races and awards.

Later that same day, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the 9th Family Health Forum will take place at the Chania Chamber of Commerce, as part of the Special Olympics Hellas Family Program. This annual event focuses on providing families of athletes with intellectual disabilities the information and support they need. This year’s topic:
“Special Olympics Hellas builds a culture of inclusion for athletes with intellectual disabilities through sport: From Socialization to Inclusive Professional Reality.”
The forum is open to all members of the Family Program, families of people with intellectual disabilities, educators, public and private institutions, and professionals who support equal participation in society and the workforce.

The work of Special Olympics is made possible entirely thanks to the generous support of sponsors — athletes participate free of charge. Long-time supporter Pilot Beach Resort once again provides free accommodation and meals for all delegations throughout the Games. As Gold Sponsor, Attica Group ensures safe transportation for the teams and offers essential support through its team of volunteers. Goody’s provides free meals during the athletes’ ferry travels. The Family Forum is held with the kind support of the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Chania Chamber of Commerce.

Once again, Crete becomes a meeting point for athletes, coaches, volunteers, and sports enthusiasts, proving that sports inspire, connect, and open up opportunities for all.