Photo By Nicholas Tenorio | NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 01, 2022) Military service members and...... read more read more
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 01, 2022) Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay’s MWR hosted the 19th Eco-Challenge, a five-event sports competition held across Crete’s Akrotiri Peninsula on Oct. 1. The outdoor event is designed to build camaraderie and strengthen the U.S. relationship with NATO and Hellenic military partners. It includes a 10.4-kilometer hike, a 14.5-kilometer run, a 38.5-kilometer bike, a 4.3-kilometer kayak and a 2,000-meter swim.
“Eco-Challenge symbolizes the enduring, strengthening and deepening cooperation that the U.S. has with our partners here in Greece, and our NATO partners as well,” said Capt. Klug.
While usually held annually, this is the first Eco-Challenge to be held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Six teams accepted this year's challenge, with athletes from Commander, Task Group 67.4, the Hellenic Naval Base in Souda, the Hellenic Air Force’s 115th Combat Wing, the NATO Maritime Interdiction Training Center, NSA Souda Bay’s Fire & Emergency Services, and NSA Souda Bay’s Ward Room.
The spirit of partnership was also required for the planning and day-of support to ensure a safe and successful event. The Hellenic Air Force, Hellenic Coast Guard and Hellenic Navy all provided direct support that included standby emergency medical personnel, escort vehicles, and motor vehicle and boat traffic closures.
The competition was followed by an award ceremony, during which Klug stated that the Eco-Challenge not only brings us together by encouraging friendly competition with our Greek partners, but it also forges relationships that will endure into the future.
Team Results:
NSA Souda Bay’s Fire & Emergency Services (4:45:09)
115th Combat Wing, Hellenic Air Force (4:48:20)
Hellenic Naval Base in Souda (5:16:01)
Individual Athlete Awards:
10.4km Hiking: Manolis Prasakis, NSA Souda Bay’s Fire & Emergency Services (1:11:49)
14.5km Run: Andreas Markakis, NSA Souda Bay’s Fire & Emergency Services (1:03:48)
38.5 km Cycling: Ioannis Zentelis, 115th Combat Wing, Hellenic Air Force. Time: (1:18:15)
4.3km Kayak: Apostolos Lazaridis, NATO Maritime Interdiction Training Center (0:29:16)
2000m Swim: Konstantinos Tsopanikos NSA Souda Bay’s Fire & Emergency Services (0:34:19)
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.12.2022 02:43 |
| Story ID: | 431105 |
| Location: | GR |
| Web Views: | 167 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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