DISCOVER
A short drive down the coast from the birthplace of the Olympic Games, at one of Europe’s most renowned family destinations, a special summer camp is inviting kids to learn about Olympic sports and Olympic ideals.
By Paulina Björk Kapsalis
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have now begun, with a spectacular opening ceremony on the Seine River, unlike anything we’ve seen before. The Olympic Flame burns in the stadium’s cauldron, symbolizing the principles of Olympism and inspiring spectators and competitors. The lens of sports broadcasts will frequently focus on it, sending its image worldwide.
Three months ago, at Costa Navarino, we had the rare joy of firsthand experiencing the flame’s warmth. The day after the lighting ceremony at the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the flame was welcomed at the world’s first International Olympic Academy (IOA) Golf Course at Costa Navarino, the nearest golf development to Ancient Olympia. Two young Navarino Junior Golf Academy athletes acted as torchbearers, while dozens of students from local schools had an unforgettable experience that they will cherish for a lifetime.
To further celebrate the spirit of the Olympics, Costa Navarino introduced a new sports camp for children and teenagers this summer.
This corner of the Peloponnese, blessed with pristine beaches, mild weather, and unspoiled nature, is a utopian spot for family vacations. The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is one of Greece’s most renowned family resorts, and the destination boasts everything a parent could hope for, from a water park and a meet-up space for teenagers to innovative kids’ clubs and, perhaps most exciting of all, an array of activities designed especially for young guests. Young athletes can practice team sports, water sports, golf, tennis, rock climbing, and bowling. There’s also swimming, cycling, hiking, and running – all outdoor experiences families love to enjoy together.
As a parent, I was excited to learn this Olympic year about the destination’s new initiative for the summer: a five-day sports camp for kids aged 6 to 15, inspired by the Games, taking place until August 16.
Introducing the Olympic Games to our children is a fun way to acquaint them with a number of sports, raise their self-confidence, and teach them about teamwork. The new summer sports camp for kids at Costa Navarino is designed to do all this while keeping them entertained during their vacations.
The program offers them a chance to try their hand at no less than 10 different sports featured in the Olympic Games: golf, tennis, basketball, football, archery, sport climbing, beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, and water polo. The aspiring athletes will receive expert coaching in all of them. For the basketball and football sessions, for example, they will enjoy training from the NBA Basketball School and Bayern FC coaches, respectively. Groups will be no larger than sixteen kids, with a ratio of one coach dedicated per every eight children, ensuring that all participants are given attention and opportunities to excel.
As part of a special event on the last day of each sports camp, attendees will be honored to meet a Greek Olympic medalist, watch recorded highlights and ceremonies, and learn all about the Games from an actual Olympian.
NBA Basketball School returns
Meanwhile, young ballers can further develop their skills at the NBA Basketball School, which returns to Costa Navarino for a second year. This program, featuring 3-day to 7-day camp programs designed for players aged 6 to 18, runs until September 15. Participants who attend the entire program (6 or 7 days) will receive an NBA Basketball School certificate and a special NBA-inspired gift, and over the period to August 17, participants will also have the exclusive opportunity to train with NBA veteran and first-round draft pick Michael Bradley. Envious parents will be happy to know it’s not all for the kids; adults are also welcome to participate in daily one-hour activities.
Fun for adults, too
While the children are busy enjoying themselves, adults can, as always, take part in a range of physical activities at the destination, including golfing on Costa Navarino’s four signature courses – The International Olympic Academy Golf Course, The Hills Course, The Dunes Course, and The Bay Course; playing tennis, padel or pickleball at the Mouratoglou Tennis Center; enjoying the sea while wakeboarding, kitesurfing, sailing, diving, or joining in on a SUP yoga class; or hiking, cycling, climbing and rappelling.
