Athletes, coaches and sports officials gathered at the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) in Athens on 8 October to celebrate Greece’s achievements at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, where Team Hellas won 71 medals and finished third among 26 nations.
The Greek delegation secured 26 gold, 26 silver and 19 bronze medals, marking one of Greece’s most significant performances in the history of the Mediterranean Games.
The ceremony honoured the athletes’ achievements and recognised Public Power Corporation (DEI) for its support of Greek sport.
HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos congratulated the athletes and highlighted the importance of planning, organisation and sustained investment in sporting success.
“Taranto 2026 leaves an important legacy. It sends a strong message that when there is planning, organisation and meaningful support, Greece can achieve great results and play a leading role in international sport,” Kouvelos said.
He praised DEI’s contribution as a strategic partner of the HOC and announced that, for the first time, medal-winning athletes and their coaches at the Mediterranean Games would receive financial rewards through the partnership.
The initiative will distribute €250,000 in bonuses to recognise their achievements and dedication.
Antonis Nikolopoulos, head of the Greek delegation, praised the team spirit displayed by the 393 athletes and coaches who represented Greece in Taranto.
“I saw a team of 393 athletes and coaches become one, supporting one another in the stadiums and swimming pools and representing the Greek colours with unparalleled ethos and professionalism,” he said.
Nikolopoulos also thanked DEI for helping the delegation meet the logistical and financial demands of such a large team.
As the HOC’s exclusive sponsor in the energy category, DEI supports Team Hellas by covering preparation, equipment and travel costs. The partnership also provides financial rewards for Olympic achievements and forms part of the company’s wider commitment to promoting teamwork, dedication and sporting excellence.
Elena Christopoulou, DEI Group’s director of sponsorships and partnerships, congratulated the athletes and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting their preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“We are particularly proud that, as DEI, we stand alongside the Hellenic Olympic Committee and DEI Team Hellas, providing tangible support to our athletes on their journey towards Los Angeles 2028,” Christopoulou said.
She wished the athletes continued success as they pursued their sporting ambitions.
Athletes Share Their Experiences
The medal winners also reflected on their experiences in Taranto and the hard work behind their achievements.
Antonis Tantalidis, who won gold in artistic gymnastics, thanked the HOC and DEI for recognising the athletes’ dedication.
“Behind every achievement and every medal are many hours of hard work, sacrifices, moments of joy and difficulties,” Tantalidis said, adding that the recognition encouraged athletes to continue pursuing their dreams.
Swimmer Anna Ntountounaki, who won two gold medals and one silver, highlighted the significance of reaching the podium at her third consecutive Mediterranean Games.
She said she felt particularly pleased to win medals in her individual events and thanked the HOC and DEI for helping make the experience enjoyable for the Greek delegation.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to Team Hellas athletes who won medals at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games.
HOC President Isidoros Kouvelos presented the certificates alongside Christopoulou, HOC Secretary-General Stefanos Handakas, International Olympic Committee member and European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos, Greek delegation head Antonis Nikolopoulos, and deputy heads of mission Theodoros Tsavdaridis and Dora Palli-Petralia.
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