Athletes of DEI Team Hellas, coaches, representatives of sports federations and members of the Hellenic Olympic Committee gathered at the HOC for a special celebration dedicated to the achievements of the Greek delegation at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. The event aimed to honour the athletes for their outstanding performances and, at the same time, to express appreciation to DEI for its valuable and tangible support to the Greek sporting community.

The Greek delegation concluded its participation in Taranto with 71 medals – 26 gold, 26 silver and 19 bronze – finishing third in the overall medal table among 26 nations, in one of Greece’s most significant achievements in the history of the Mediterranean Games.

During the event, Hellenic Olympic Committee President Isidoros Kouvelos congratulated the athletes on their performances, highlighting the effort behind every achievement and the importance of consistent support for Greek sport.

“Taranto 2026 leaves an important legacy. It sends a strong message that when there is planning, organisation and meaningful support, Greece can achieve great results and play a leading role in international sport.

“In this effort, DEI’s contribution has been decisive. DEI stood alongside the Hellenic Olympic Committee as a true strategic partner, as an organisation that believed in the value of the national team, in the efforts of our athletes and in the potential of Greek sport.

“For the first time, thanks to DEI’s support, the medal-winning athletes at the Mediterranean Games, together with their coaches, will also be financially rewarded for their achievements. A total of €250,000 in bonuses will be allocated, as tangible recognition of their efforts and accomplishments. This is an important initiative that demonstrates in practice what meaningful and consistent support for Greek sport means.”

The Head of the Greek Delegation, Antonis Nikolopoulos, spoke about the team spirit that characterised the Greek presence in Taranto:

“I saw a team of 393 athletes and coaches become one, supporting one another in the stadiums and swimming pools and representing the Greek colours with unparalleled ethos and professionalism.”

He also thanked DEI for its contribution to the Greek delegation, noting: “Without its meaningful support, we would not have been able to meet the high demands of such a large and numerous delegation.”

DEI, as the exclusive sponsor of the Hellenic Olympic Committee in the “Energy” category, supports DEI Team Hellas by covering preparation, equipment and travel needs, while financial rewards for Olympic achievements are also foreseen. The partnership forms part of DEI’s broader commitment to sport and its support for effort, teamwork and excellence.

Elena Christopoulou, DEI Group Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships, said: “We are particularly proud that, as DEI, we stand alongside the Hellenic Olympic Committee and DEI Team Hellas, providing tangible support to our athletes on their journey towards Los Angeles 2028. Warm congratulations to everyone who achieved success at the Mediterranean Games, once again demonstrating the power of effort, consistency and dedication. We wish them health, strength and even more success as they continue along this demanding journey. For all of us, it is especially meaningful to stand steadily by their side at every step towards their great goal.”

The athletes themselves were at the heart of the event, sharing their experiences from the Mediterranean Games, the moments that stood out and the lessons they took away from their participation.

Antonis Tantalidis, gold medallist in artistic gymnastics, spoke about the effort behind every achievement and the importance of recognising athletes’ dedication:

“I would like to say a big thank you to the Hellenic Olympic Committee and DEI for this honour. Behind every achievement and every medal are many hours of hard work, sacrifices, moments of joy and difficulties. This award is a beautiful reminder never to stop chasing our dreams. I am proud to represent Greece and I wish everyone never to stop trying, both inside and outside the field of competition.”

Anna Ntountounaki, who won two gold and one silver medal in swimming, spoke about the special significance of her third participation in the Mediterranean Games and the joy of achieving another successful result:

“For me, it was an even greater joy because these were my third Mediterranean Games, and I managed to reach the podium for the third consecutive time, especially as I also managed to win in my individual events. I would like to warmly thank the Hellenic Olympic Committee and DEI for making our experience at the Games so enjoyable. I think we all truly enjoyed it.”

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the medal-winning athletes of DEI Team Hellas, in recognition of their outstanding presence and achievements at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games.

The certificates were presented by HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos, DEI Group Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships Elena Christopoulou, HOC Secretary General Stefanos Handakas, IOC Member and President of the European Olympic Committees Spyros Capralos, Chef de Mission of DEI Team Hellas in Taranto Antonis Nikolopoulos, and the Deputy Chefs de Mission Theodoros Tsavdaridis and Dora Palli-Petralia.