European Special Olympics Kayak Games come to Lake Kournas
Lake Kournas — Crete's only natural freshwater lake, nestled in the hills of Apokoronas — will serve as the venue for two international paddling competitions at the end of October 2026.
The European Special Olympics Kayaking Games and the 25th 'Korissios' International Canoe-Kayak Club Championships are scheduled for the weekend of October 31 and November 1, 2026, bringing athletes from across Europe to this scenic corner of western Crete.
Who is organising it?
The event is a joint effort by a wide range of bodies: the Municipality of Apokoronas, the Regional Unit of Chania, the Chania Nautical Club (NOX), the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak, SUP and Surfing Federation, Special Olympics Hellas, the Cyprus Canoe Federation, and the Parents and Guardians Association of Canoe-Kayak at NOX.
Schedule
- Opening Ceremony: Friday, October 30, 2026 at 18:00 — Papadakis Park, Georgioupoli beach
- Competition Day 1: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10:00–15:00 — Lake Kournas
- Competition Day 2: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 09:00–14:00 — Lake Kournas
What to expect
The Special Olympics European Kayaking Games spotlight athletes with intellectual disabilities competing at a continental level, while the 'Korissios' Championships — now in their 25th year — bring international club teams together on the water. The combination makes for a weekend that blends elite competition with the values of inclusion and community.
Residents and visitors are welcome to attend as spectators on both competition days at the lake.