A spectacular beach at the foot of Olympus – the mountain chosen by the ancient Greek gods – at Katerini will host the 2014 World Beach Wrestling Championships for senior, junior and cadet men and women this weekend. Over 200 wrestlers from at least 20 countries around the world have already confirmed their participation.
“Our aim is to organise a very good championship. Plenty of top-class athletes from around the world will take part and are expected to offer an impressive spectacle,” said the president of the Hellenic Wrestling Federation, Costas Thanos.
“The venue of the championship is particularly beautiful and everyone coming to Katerini will not only enjoy the sights and the Greek sea, but also Greek hospitality. For our part, we will make every effort to have all athletes fully satisfied. The town of Katerini has a tradition of beach wrestling, and hundreds of fans are anticipated at the venue of the championship.
The championship officially opened last night, in the presence of the president of the international wrestling federation (FILA), Nenad Lalovic. “The opening ceremony took place at the International Institute of Alexander the Great, where attendants were treated to an impressive cultural and sporting spectacle,” added Thanos, also a former Greek Olympian.
The central Macedonian town of Katerini has embraced the sport of beach wrestling and has hosted the national championship in the last few years.