Celebrate “Athlete’s Day” in Rethymno – Honoring Sports Across Generations

Sunday, December 22, 2024, Rethymno hosts Athlete’s Day, the city's biggest sports celebration!

Taking place at the Perivolia Indoor Stadium at 11:00 AM, this annual event celebrates the achievements of athletes, past and present, while inspiring future generations.

Since 2017, Athlete’s Day has been organized by the Municipality of Rethymno’s Department of Sports.

The event highlights exceptional accomplishments in national and international sports competitions. Athletes, coaches, and clubs from Rethymno who stood out in 2024 will be recognized for their dedication and achievements.

This year’s event includes a heartfelt tribute to the Anifantakis family, Rethymno’s most sporting family.

Additionally, eight remarkable individuals will be honored for their contributions to sports, including:

• Dauren Kurougliev, bronze medalist in wrestling at the 2024 Olympics.
• Manolis Stefanoudakis, three-time Paralympic champion in javelin.
• Giorgos Kapellakis, five-time Paralympic champion and President of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee.
• Lefteris Pupakis, veteran international goalkeeper and sports icon from Perama Mylopotamos.
• Maria Miriokefalitaki, international water polo athlete and 2024 Olympian.
• Yannis Apostolakis, international footballer and team captain.
• Nikos Karavanos, silver medalist at the European Wrestling Championship 2024.
• Andreas Palobarini, distinguished sports journalist and commentator.

Local clubs achieving excellence in various competitions, such as Rethymno Cycling Club “ATLAS” and Rethymno Tae Kwon Do Club “DAYID,  Athletic Association of Martial Arts "YPERION",  Athletic Association (AMEA) A "IKAROS", Rethymno Horse Riding Club, Rethymno Cycling Club "ATLAS", New Rethymnon Volleyball Club, Rethymno Athletic Wrestling Club, Rethymno Sailing Club, Rethymno Martial Arts Athletic Club, Rethymnon Academy of Martial Arts, Rethymno Martial Arts Academy, Rethymno Athletic Association of Martial Arts, Rethymno Athletic Martial Arts Association of Atsipopoulo, O.K.A. Arcadi, A.O.P.E.A., Rethymniakos A.O., Athletic Club of Crete” will also receive honorary distinctions.

Each year, Athlete’s Day welcomes legendary sports figures.

Past events have honored mountaineers,  world champions, and esteemed athletes who inspire the community.  

-In 2017 the Municipality of Rethymno awarded the mountaineers Antonis Sykaris and Mike Evmorfidis.

-In 2018, the gold medalist Manolis Stefanoudakis, and the athlete of athletics, second in the European Championships,  Maria Belibasaki, took the trophy.

-In 2019, the Secretary General of Sports and veteran international polo player George Mavrotas and the world and European swimming champion Apostolos Papastamos were also honored.

We celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement in Rethymno!