Kayak Greece showcases Poros as a marine sports venue

All paddles were in the water during the weekend of May 9-10 when Kayak Greece held its first event of the 2015 circuit on the island of Poros. Some 300 athletes took part in the two-day event whose aim is to highlight sportsmanship, volunteerism, and fitness through competitive sport. 

Poros is an ideal venue for rowing and paddling sports like flatwater or sea kayak—and the local club NOPT claims a long list of national and regional champions in both sports (and an Olympic silver medallist in rowing). Races are usually held in an inlet along the Poros strait but during Kayak Greece events were held along the main waterfront and at Askeli beach.

Poros pulled out all the stops to welcome athletes and visitors, turning the weekend into a celebration of sport. Visitors strolled the waterfront, which had been closed to traffic, stopping in tavernas and cafes to indulge a sweet or savoury tooth in full view of the events.

Parallel events included a zumba demonstration by the NOPT dance school and an open-air youth party at Plateia Iroon (Heroes’ Square). Kayak Greece on Poros was widely covered by Greek media, including the state broadcaster Nerit and sports radio and websites Sport-FM and Sport24.gr

Organisers—Kayak Greece, the Municipality of Poros, and NOPT—are already making plans for the next Kayak Greece event on Poros in 2016.

Diane Shugart