With great splendour and Olympic spirit, the inauguration ceremony for the completion of the restoration works carried out by the Hellenic Olympic Committee with the support of Alpha Bank took place at the Schinias Olympic Rowing Centre, that hosted the rowing and canoeing events at the Athens 2000 Olympic Games.

The ribbon was cut by the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Mr Isidoros Kouvelos, and the CEO of Alpha Bank, Mr Vassilis Psaltis, in the presence of Olympic medallists and World Champions in rowing and canoe-kayak, who will now be able to live, train and compete under the best possible conditions.

Addressing the guests, among whom were the Vice President of World Rowing, Ms Annamarie Phelps, and the President of European Rowing, Ms Asunción Loriente, Mr Kouvelos emphasized:

“Today carries strong symbolism. Today, a historic continuity is restored. Today, the Rowing Centre comes back to life. The National Olympic Rowing Centre has a heartbeat once again.

Because our Olympic legacy is a responsibility, not merely photographs and memories. It is a daily struggle. It is the choice not to abandon something that was built with effort, resources and national pride.

The Schinias Rowing Centre was constructed for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, at a cost of 88 million euros. Yet, for many years, it remained silent, far removed from the role and mission for which it was created.

This could not leave us indifferent. For the new administration of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the utilisation and revival of the major Olympic venues became a strategic priority from the very beginning. We set a clear goal: to return to sport facilities that are deeply connected with Greece’s Olympic history and that can once again offer meaningful value.”

Mr Kouvelos also thanked the Vice President of the Hellenic Governementr Kostis Hatzidakis, the President of “Anaplasi Public Works”, Chronis Akritidis, and OFYPEKA for their support in implementing the renovation project, while making special reference to Alpha Bank:

“In an initiative of major importance for Greek sport, Alpha Bank stood by us in a tangible and meaningful way, proving that when a strong institution of Greek society chooses to invest responsibly in the common good, projects with a lasting impact can become reality.

It is especially significant that Alpha Bank returns here after 2004 to once again demonstrate, in practice, its belief in the country’s Olympic legacy and in the value of sport.”

The interventions carried out included:

the cleaning and restoration of the regatta course

the replacement and maintenance of the floating access and docking lanes for boats

repairs to the façade and waterproofing restoration of four buildings at the Rowing Centre, including the athletes’ accommodation and preparation areas

the upgrade of the main spectators’ grandstand.

Greetings were also delivered by the Vice President of International Rowing Federation, Ms Annamarie Phelps, who announced the organisation of major international events at the renovated Olympic Rowing Centre, the President of the Hellenic Rowing Federation, Mr Vassilis Polymeros, and the President of the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak Federation, Mr Giorgos Athanasiou.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic exhibition race by rowing and canoe-kayak champions Stefanos Ntouskos, Petros Gkaidatzis, Konstantinos Giannoulis, Konstantinos Kostaras, Iason Mouselimis, Zoi Fitsiou, Milena Kontou, Evangelia Anastasiadou, Elena Diavati, Gabriela Lioliou, Paschalina Mouratidou and Giannis Zachos.