Yesterday, Sunday, April 10, marked the end of the «Svelta» series of events, which accompanied us throughout the winter.
The final competitions took place in Potamos on April 9 and 10 and included mountain biking and cross-country running. They were the culmination of a particularly ambitious effort, which was hosted by settlements across the length and breadth of the island and was crowned with absolute success.
What did we take away from our first year of the Svelta experience? Many noteworthy things.
First and foremost, the twin souls of the entire organization. Pavlos and Michalis. Pavlos, with his innate directness in communication and simplicity in manner, proved to be an authority in PR, an excellent orchestrator of the communication aspect of the whole venture, conveying the spirit of the Svelta experience to thousands of recipients both inside and outside Kythira. Michalis, a tireless worker on the whole idea, toiled inside, outside, and on top of it all for the smooth running of the races and the excellent organization of the ceremony.
Alongside them, a host of unsung heroes and heroines, each contributing in their own field to bring the project to fruition.
However, it was the participants themselves who were the driving force behind the entire effort. People of all ages, genders, and social classes embraced the event from day one, from the first steps it took as a plan, before it took off as a series of events. They are its partners, its promoters in every corner of the country and abroad. Because, yes, it has been proven time and time again that the greatest domestic asset of this blessed place is its people.
So, see you next year, in good health and with a good heart. With happy voices, lots of sweat, smiles, hugs, and countless outbursts of love.
Dear Svelta, we just blew out your first candle together. And next year, we'll do it again, together.
PS. The Svelta events for the 2021-22 season were organized by the Mazzipetti bike shop and the Kythira Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA), in collaboration with the Portokalia Cultural Association, the Potamos Cultural Association, and Kythera Trails. They were held under the auspices of the Municipality of Kythira.
