The HOC welcomes delegation from the men’s National Water Polo team – “We lack pools for training,” says Afroudakis

A delegation from the Men’s National Water Polo Team, which recently earned a silver medal at the World Cup, was warmly welcomed at the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) by President Isidoros Kouvelos and Secretary General Stefanos Handakas.

During the reception, Vice President of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, Giorgos Afroudakis, along with coach Thodoris Vlachos and team captain Dinos Genidounias, were commended for their achievements. Afroudakis highlighted a pressing concern regarding the shortage of swimming pools.

Press Release from HOC

President Isidoros Kouvelos and Secretary General Stefanos Handakas of the Hellenic Olympic Committee met with a delegation from the Men’s National Water Polo Team to express congratulations on their silver medal win at the World Cup in Montenegro.

Mr. Kouvelos addressed Giorgos Afroudakis, coach Thodoris Vlachos, and captain Dinos Genidounias, stating, “We offer our heartfelt congratulations for your outstanding performances and your silver medal achievement. Both our Men’s and Women’s National Water Polo Teams continue to elevate the Greek flag, making us proud with their accomplishments. The Hellenic Olympic Committee is committed to supporting your teams and the federation in every way possible.”

The meeting is part of Secretary General Stefanos Handakas’s efforts to engage with sports federations. “From the outset, we have pledged our commitment to support the federations as they promote sports and require assistance. We are in ongoing discussions about the challenges they face and assisting in resolving them, and today’s meeting was with the Hellenic Swimming Federation,” Mr. Handakas noted.

On behalf of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, Giorgos Afroudakis expressed gratitude for the warm sentiments, stating, “Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your recognition of the federations’ roles and for standing by us. We are a federation that consistently achieves accolades, not just in water polo but across the multiple sports we represent. The Hellenic Swimming Federation oversees six sports and has 28 national teams, facing significant challenges, particularly the critical shortage of swimming facilities.” Mr. Kouvelos assured him that positive news regarding the long-closed Olympic Swimming Pool at Zappeion would soon be announced.

Next, coach Thodoris Vlachos remarked, “Thank you for the invitation. We know you are and will continue to be supportive. We are building a cohesive and prepared team for the Los Angeles Olympic Games, while also considering the future. Our players are motivated, have goals, and believe in their ability to triumph against any opponent.”

Captain Dinos Genidounias, representing the team, added, “Thank you for your invitation and support. We are a team filled with enthusiasm, especially the younger players. This drive was evident in our World Cup performance, where we aimed for gold. While I can’t promise medals or successes, I assure you that we will give our all. Once everything aligns, I hope we will achieve what we’ve been striving for all these years: a gold medal.”