With a vibrant Opening Ceremony infused with elements of Greek cultural tradition, the 3rd GAMMA European Championship officially got underway on Wednesday afternoon (April 29) at the indoor arena “Giorgos Galanopoulos” in Loutraki.
The event began with the parade of the 18 national teams participating in the tournament, along with the referees, setting a festive and international tone for the competition.
A recorded message from GAMMA President Mr Tommy Paulus Hermawan was broadcast, welcoming athletes and officials to the championship and thanks Greece and Loutraki for the hospitality. See the message below:
Greetings were also delivered by the host Mayor of Loutraki–Perachora–Agioi Theodoroi, Giorgos Gionis and the President of the Greek Federation of Mixed Martial Arts, Athanasios Barkas. Both officials warmly welcomed the participating delegations to the region and wished them every success in the competition.
Representatives of GAMMA presented honorary plaques to Mayor Giorgos Gionis and Federation President Athanasios Barkas in recognition of their support and contribution to the event.
The ceremony concluded with traditional Greek dances performed by the “Melangkavi” dance group of the Cultural Association of Loutraki, adding a celebratory close to the evening.
Also in attendance at the Opening Ceremony were Rafiq Radinal, Head of the Organizing Committee, Calvin Legawa, GAMMA Treasurer, Carlo Di Blasi, GAMMA Vice President, Martin Skvara, GAMMA Vice President, Paolo Biotti, Head of the Ethics Committee, Eric La Roca President France federation & Funder GAMMA and GAMMA General Director Dr Nikos Stavropoulos.
Additional representatives from the Municipality of Loutraki in attendance included Athanasios Papathanasiou, Vice Mayor for Athletics and Sports, Theodoros Petrou, Vice Mayor for Digital Transformation, Theoni Mauromatidou, Vice Mayor for Culture, Anastasios Sakellariou, Deputy Mayor for Finance and Administration and Athanasios Mouzakis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Sanitation Services.
The event was presented by Klery Zisimatou.
See video and photos below:
