One of the most exciting sports of the Mediterranean Beach Games program, which is part of the Olympic Games program and is still very popular in Greece, will have its honor tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, August 29th and 30th, in the sea of Patras.
Fifteen countries, eight in the Men’s competition (Morocco, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Tunisia, Cyprus, Portugal, Libya) and seven in women’s (Italy, San Marino, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal, Tunisia), while four will compete in the mixed event (Cyprus, Italy, Portugal and Greece with two teams).
The competition is expected to be very intense, with fierce battles in the water and a lot of tactics, especially in the final meters before the finish.
Stilliani APLADI, a member of the Greek National Team, gives a different perspective: “The weather conditions are not the most favorable, as there are very strong currents,” she points out.
Greece’s “top gun”, 27-year-old Giorgos ARNIAKOS, predicts: “All team members believe we can stand out, but our effort is certainly difficult. Italy and Portugal are very strong and the competition will very high. ”
In 2015 in Pescara George ARNIAKOS had won the bronze medal, while at the 2012 European Championships was on the podium in the relay race.
Andrea MANZI (ITA), who won the silver medal in Pescara, ahead of ARNIAKOS and behind his compatriot, Dario VERANI (ITA), is also present in Patras.
Andrea MANZI (ITA) was born on November 27th, 1997, is a Police Officer and his dream is to compete in the 2020 Olympic Games.
Italy will be represented by Silvia CICCARELLA, Ginevra TADDEUCCI and Sofie CALLO in the women’s event.
Four years ago the “Azzurri” dominated the Open Water Swimming, winning six of the nine medals.
On Thursday, August 29th, the women’s 5km races will start at 09:00 and 10:00, respectively.
The mixed race (relay) will take place on Friday, August 30th, at 10:30.