After completing almost three years at the helm of the Alexandroupolis municipality as deputy sports mayor, Theodoros Vourdolis spoke to www.hellofromgreece.se about the strange years – due to the pandemic – that the prefecture’s Evros’ capital had experienced. The restrictions due to the coronavirus, the initial plans that were only half implemented, the sports tourism in the area as well as the future plans for the development of the city, were the main topics during the discussion with the Deputy Sports Mayor…
Almost 3 years in the post of deputy sports mayor… How would you characterize them?
It was a rather strange three years, if you consider that for two years we have all experienced and are still experiencing unprecedented situations for humanity, due to the corona pandemic. There were many and sharp restrictions that entered our daily life and we had to deal with them, without being prepared. Nevertheless, I believe that we as a municipality fully responded to this challenge and overcame the problems that were created, in the best possible way.
So the results so far are positive?
To some extent yes, positive. But there is always room for improvement. Although we could have done even more.
In other words, relative to your original plan, to what extent have the things you planned been done?
Several things have been done, but in relation to our original plan, these correspond to a small percentage as the many limitations we had in a very short time did not allow us to implement our original plan. And that is because in many cases it required time and money, which due to the pandemic had to be set aside for other priorities, for example in health care and social services.
These three years, how did they go for Alexandroupolis in the field of sports?
Our city was deprived of a lot and, above all, it was deprived of the opportunity to actively participate in sports activities, because we could carry out some events – even if they were limited – but without any fans. However, we as a municipality organized a number of sports events – when the conditions allowed – so that both participants from our region and the rest of Greece, as well as some from abroad, could participate in or watch all these events (depending on the restrictions that applied). And I think we have kept the municipality of Alexandroupolis high on the sports map, compared to other municipalities.
Sports tourism… in recent years we see it entering our lives more strongly. Could Alexandroupolis be on this map?
Without a doubt, I say it can and can even get on the map for sports tourism. Recently, we have already taken several steps in this direction, because the actions we have planned, both in terms of time and type, as well as in terms of their quality, were an important factor for a visitor to place Alexandroupolis as his priority for destination. We should also not forget that Alexandroupolis is also a very safe destination, where even a family with small children can enjoy a variety of sports activities.
And I guess all this combined with the city’s pure tourist facilities…
Exactly. The numerous and comfortable hotel facilities, which are adapted to all the financial needs of visitors, always combined with the quality offered by restaurants and entertainment venues in our area, make Alexandroupolis – and Evros in general – a very good choice for holidays.
What are Alexandroupolis’ strong cards?
No doubt they are its people.
Does Evros’ geographical location promote the development and growth of sports tourism?
Sea, mountains, hiking trails and rivers, is the answer to whether our geographical location favors us. I think the only thing we lag behind is in modern sports facilities.
Why have we been left behind in sports tourism for so many years?
Because the mood and the ideas for something like that might have been there, but the facilities and the right exposure weren’t there.
Has anything happened regarding this?
Obviously. We have been working and have already signed a contract for the new indoor gym in Alexandroupolis with European standards; we have submitted a complete study for the “Fotis Kosmas” stadium, while the energy upgrade of the “Mihalis Paraskevopoulos” stadium will be completed next summer. We have also completed the plans for the new sports centre, which will include eight new tennis courts, while we have completed our studies to create walking paths throughout the municipality, something which we hope will have a positive impact on the other municipalities in our prefecture.
What do you think should be done to put Alexandroupolis on the sports tourism map?
If everything I mentioned to you comes to fruition and is combined with the right marketing and advertising, I believe we will be on the sports tourism map for good.
Alexandroupolis is a city that focuses a lot on sports. Volleyball, tennis, handball, sailing, athletics, football, table tennis. Could we as a city “lift” the burden of European sporting events, tournaments and camps? Or even team preparation?
We are fortunate to have people in Alexandroupolis Municipality with the know-how, the experience and the willingness to host all types of major sporting events. As I mentioned above, we are somewhat behind in terms of modern sports facilities, but this is an area we work very hard on a daily basis to bring it up to the standards we desire. And this, because we are not only interested in today’s Alexandroupolis, but also tomorrow’s Alexandroupolis.
Finally, I want you to tell me what your message is to those who want to come and visit Alexandroupolis and Evros…
We are a city that can truly satisfy visitors of all ages looking for different types of tourism. We are a city that has received the European award “Cycle Friendly City”, we have excellent hotel units, we have wonderful beaches and we meet all conditions for visitors with disabilities. The quality of our culinary products is excellent, always combined with reasonable prices, while we cannot leave out the historically important monuments of our region. Alexandroupolis is a destination for all ages and all seasons and this is something the world should finally know…
Interview: Melina Dslian