A few days before 49er European Championship in Vilamoura, Portugal (November 8-13), o Pavlos Kayalis with his post on social media he refers to the decision of the Hellenic Sailing Federation not to finance his presence there, even though the races are a criterion for the Olympiacos of Paris!
“As a two-time Olympian and athlete of the National team I am ashamed of what is still happening in Greek sports and in Greek sailingas there is no meritocracy and for this reason athletes abandon their efforts or leave for another country“, says the 39-year-old Pavlos Kayalis, who has won the bronze medal in the 470 with Panagiotis Mantis in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
What Pavlos Kayalis writes in detail:
“Yesterday we were informed by the Hellenic Sailing Federation and by the Vice-President Mr. Stefanos Handakas, that there is no possibility of financing the European championship, which is a criterion for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Our preparation throughout the year is done by private initiative as well as by the Hellenic Olympic Committee, which supports our preparation so that we can reach the target games and claim our country’s qualification for the Olympic Games.
However, the federation decides due to personal dislikes not to finance the European Championship and to throw away the effort we are making as well as the money that has been spent by the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
Making a plan with great difficulty and effort 10 days before the start of the European championship the following is announced to us: “Following your request with prot. no. 9257 for financing your participation in the 2023 49er European Championship – Vilamoura Portugal – 08-13.11 .2023, we inform you that unfortunately the Federation does not have the financial possibility to support your participation in this particular match.”
Finally at the end of the competition year, we wonder where has gone the money of all our preparation from EIO as well as the money of sending the games that we have to participate and represent our country? Simple everyday questions.
As a two-time Olympian and athlete of the National team, I am ashamed of what is still happening in Greek sports and in Greek sailing, as there is no meritocracy and for this reason the athletes give up their efforts or leave for another country.
The values and ideals of sport are unfortunately represented by people who have no place in sport.
Greek Sailing 2023… And we continue».
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
