In a lively event with intense symbolism and a strong message of peace and cooperation, the friendly football match between the mixed team of Chios and the mixed team of Cesme – Alatsata – Ilitsa took place yesterday at the Municipal Stadium of Chios.
The sports meeting, organized by the Association of Rooms, Apartments and Furnished Tourist Residences of Chios “OMIROS”, in collaboration with the North Aegean Region, the Municipality of Chios, the Municipality of Cesme, the Association of Football Clubs of Chios, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mastic Museum, was held in the presence of the Mayor of Chios Mr. Yiannis Malafis, the Mayor of Cesme Ms. Lal Denizli and the Deputy Regional Governor of Chios Mr. Pantelis Vroulis.
The Mayor of Cesme, Mrs. Lal Denizli, with the President of the “OMIROS” Association, Mr. George Mylonadis
Yesterday’s match was the continuation of the first similar action that had taken place in March in Cesme, with the participation of teenage teams. As stated by the President of the “OMIROS” Association, Mr. George Mylonadis, the match, following the custom, was interrupted shortly before the end, so that there would be a continuation and repetition of the Greek-Turkish sports exchanges, strengthening the climate of friendship and cultural approach. He also recalled last year’s women’s volleyball matches organized by the Association, with the participation of teams from Chios and Izmir.
The banner held by the Turkish delegation, which read in Greek: “Football unites our peoples”, caused particular emotion. The message was also captured in the image of the two teams embracing at the end of the event in the center of the field, while “Zorba” echoed, with the spectators applauding warmly.
In parallel with the match, a mountain running race was also held in Chios, with the participation of over 300 athletes. This combined action, according to Mr. Mylonadis, contributed to the strengthening of tourist traffic over the weekend, as an increased number of visitors from Turkey was recorded, confirming that extroversion initiatives, especially outside the summer season, are a powerful tool for the island’s tourism development.
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