© Costa Navarino

As part of an exciting and innovative new initiative, the International Olympic Academy (IOA), the Greek Olympic Committee (COH) and Costa Navarino, Greece, announced at a virtual event the creation of the first Olympic Academy Golf Course to the world. The name of the new course, which is located in Costa Navarino's Navarino Hills, symbolizes the links between golf and Olympism, as it is the closest golf course to Ancient Olympia, cradle of the Olympic Games.

Today's announcement - in celebration of International Olympic Day around the world - comes at a time when the popularity of golf continues to soar and is expected to be one of the top attractions at Tokyo this summer, after its spectacular return to the Rio Olympics in 2016.

© Costa Navarino

The new partnership between the IOA and Costa Navarino, with the significant contribution of the COH, is guided by the principles and values ​​of Olympism and aims to promote Olympic education through a variety of activities at both at the Costa Navarino and at the AIO premises, and will play a key role in helping to promote golf to an expanding global audience. The name of the new International Olympic Academy golf course reflects the shared values ​​of the IOA, COH and Costa Navarino for sustainability, personal well-being, education and growth. The course is one of two 18-hole Navarino Hills courses, designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal, which will open in spring 2022.

During today's event, hosted by David Jones of Sky Sports, Costa Navarino Golf General Manager Nuno Sepulveda joined live with Navarino Hills, as well as members of the Junior Golf Academy of Costa Navarino , representing the future stars of the sport. Representatives from COH, IOA, Hellenic Golf Federation and Costa Navarino spoke at the event, whose special guests were course designer José María Olazábal and sustainable golf champion GEO, Suzann Pettersen (former Olympian in Rio 2016 and 15 times winner on the LPGA Tour).

Spyros Capralos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and IOC member, said : “It is with great pleasure that we announce today, during Olympic Day, the cooperation between the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Academy and Costa Navarino, for the world's first Olympic Academy Golf Course. We thus have the opportunity, through golf, which is a sport without age limit, to call on all citizens to participate in sports activities and to integrate exercise into daily life. "

Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the International Olympic Academy, added : “The result of this cooperation will affirm the fact that Olympic education, through which the youth approaches Olympism, is not limited to traditional means but also extends to new methods which lead to innovative ways for further development. "

On behalf of the Hellenic Golf Federation, President Thomas Tokas said : “The reintroduction of golf at the Olympic Games was a very important step for the sport which is played in 207 countries around the world. The golf course of the International Olympic Academy will contribute to the development of this sport and attract the younger generations. I would like to congratulate the AIO and Costa Navarino for this innovative partnership. "

Tomas Nemec, President of Consillium SA (co-founders of Navarino Hills) said: “Through the IOA Golf Course, we are happy to contribute to the essence of the Olympic spirit for all generations of golfers. Our vision for Navarino Hills was to create the perfect environment for golf in this incredible part of Metz land, and to introduce a unique development that reflects Costa Navarino's commitment to sustainable development. "

Achilles V. Constantakopoulos, president of TEMES - Developers of Costa Navarino, said : “We are very honored that the new course is helping to build a strong alliance between sport and education and to transmit the principles of the Olympic Movement. Through the growth of Costa Navarino, we want to continue to have a positive impact in the regions where we operate - and establish a premium golf and sports destination that appeals to the global community. "

José María Olazábal said : “It is a great honor to have designed the first International Olympic Academy golf course in Navarino Hills. The development of the game is close to my heart and I am proud that future generations of golfers have the opportunity to be educated in the Olympic values ​​in this wonderful new facility. "

Suzann pettersen added : “My experience of competing at the Olympics in 2016 was inspiring and the development of the first Olympic Academy Golf Course is a great moment for golf, which strives to provide brilliant and lasting prospects for generations. futures. "

© Costa Navarino

Named the “World's Best New Golf Development” at the 2020 World Golf Awards, Navarino Hills is one of Europe's most anticipated golf developments. Located on 125 hectares overlooking the historic bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea, the Olympic Academy Golf Course will measure 6m in length and will be open exclusively for the 366th Pro-Am in Messinia which will take place from November 5-24.

When the two Navarino Hills courses open their doors to all visitors in spring 2022, Costa Navarino will offer its customers four renowned golf courses, located at a maximum distance of 13 km from each other, thus strengthening its unparalleled golf destination status in Europe.

To know more : https://www.costanavarino.com/

To read our last article on the same subject :

Costa Navarino to unveil Navarino Hills at Messinia Pro-Am 2021