A historic moment for Greek table tennis is unfolding at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, where the Hellenic Table Tennis Federation (HTTF) has launched its first-ever training camp exclusively for girls, aimed at strengthening female participation in the sport.
The Christmas Girls’ Training Camp officially began on January 2, welcoming the new year in a warm and festive atmosphere. Twelve selected young athletes, born between 2012 and 2015, arrived full of enthusiasm, quickly embracing this special initiative and the carefully prepared welcome by the federation.
Blending high-level training with a celebratory spirit, the camp will run until Monday, January 5 and represents a key milestone in the federation’s three-year development program, supported by both the European Table Tennis Union and the International Table Tennis Federation. Greece is currently participating in the first phase of the program through the National Project.
The opening day delivered powerful images. Greek legend Kallinikos KREANGA personally welcomed the athletes alongside the federation’s administrative staff. Former champions Despoina DANDOULA, Maria MIROU, and Archontoula VOLAKAKI were introduced as part of the coaching team, reconnecting the young generation with the sport’s recent history.
A special moment followed during the first training session, attended by national team players Katerina TOLIOU, Malamatenia PAPADIMITRIOU, and Ioanna GERASIMATOU, who shared advice and encouragement with the girls. Later, members of the men’s national team — Giannis SGOUROPOULOS, Giorgos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, and Tasos RINIOTIS — visited the camp, greeting the participants and offering words of motivation.
The event was officially opened in the presence of HTTF Chair Panagiotis TZOVOLOS, General Secretary Giorgos VRETTAKOS, Technical Committee President Katerina SPANOU, who coordinated the camp, and Special Secretary Ioanna MORAITOU. Addressing the athletes and their families, TZOVOLOS emphasized the importance of early development and encouraged the girls to view the camp as a celebration. He also conveyed greetings from Greece’s top player Panagiotis GIONIS, who could not attend but sent signed autographs.
KREANGA was welcomed with prolonged applause. He urged the young athletes to enjoy the game, reminding them that “table tennis is a sport where complaining has no place.” He signed autographs and gifted each participant a commemorative towel bearing his name.
A festive setting filled the hall, with light pink event T-shirts, Christmas gifts, mugs, posters, sweets, and music enhancing the atmosphere.
The camp is led by Technical Advisor and former Greek champion Chrysoula TOURSOUNIDOU, assisted by Varvara PAVLAKI, supported by an all-female coaching staff that also includes Christina FILI. Additional activities such as Pilates, athletics, first aid sessions, and holiday-themed entertainment further enrich the experience, with all contributors volunteering their time.
Members of the women’s national team, including Elisavet TERPOU, as well as Balkan champions George STAMATOUROS and Konstantinos KONSTANTINOPOULOS, are also expected to take part during the camp.
