Sverkounos: “The Pre-Olympics marks the return of Greece to the organization of major events”

As expected, the Hellas will host one of the four at SEF Pre-Olympic Tournaments which will take place July 2-7 and the winners of which will qualify for the Paris Olympics.

THE Dinos SverkounosDirector General of the EEC, spoke at EOK Web Radio for the great opportunity that is the organization of such an event for Greece, but also for the upcoming draw (27/11, 20:00).

In detail what he said:

For pre-Olympic tournament group taking over from Greece: “After almost 16 years, Greece returns, the Hellenic Federation returns to an event of global scope. Besides the World Cup and the Olympic Games, the pre-Olympics are among the most important tournaments. The honor for us is huge, we also thank FIBA. All this time, a huge effort has been made on our part so that in terms of portfolio we are at the level we want.

This was obviously understood by FIBA ​​as well, they know that we have the ability to organize such a huge event. It is also a huge responsibility for the EEC to be able to meet the high demands of a pre-Olympic tournament. I should also emphasize that this specific event comes essentially after the assignment to the EEC and Greece in general of the Women’s Eurobasket, which marks our active presence, but also the Federation’s policy in the development of women’s basketball. These two years, the back-to-back events can be the springboard for the EEC and basketball in general to re-enter the hearts of all Greeks”.

As for what this event means: “Beyond the sporting context, it marks a big change and a big return as a country to huge events. Unfortunately all these years the Greeks have had a hard time and now we are reaching a point where we can look to the future with greater optimism and return to where Greece was some years ago, with all that this entails for the Greek fans, the National our team and the EEC as a whole”.

On what the EEC can have as a legacy after this: “In such large events, the social footprint is important, the “connection” of sports, backgammon, with society. This, because we are talking about a pre-Olympic tournament, is directly related to the ideals and ideals of Olympism. In other words, everything that the Greeks have brought and socially connected sports with all Greeks and the whole society as a whole”.

On whether they have discussions with SEF management: “All this time we have been in discussions with the management of SEF, Mrs. Tsiligiri, who is a supporter of our effort, and a plan has been submitted to achieve the best possible renovations. I believe this will ultimately please the Greek fans who will try and be able to come and watch our national team. This whole framework of cooperation leads us to have a better sports facility, which is the most basic for the development of the sport”.

For the possible opponents of the National Team: “The draw will not be easy. It is clear that the chances of having three or four top-20 level teams are the most. This means that in the 1st round, but also afterwards, we will need the Greek fans with us. Let’s go step by step, however, watching today’s draw, and then we’ll see the competition for how the national team can meet these high demands”.