Deputy Minister of Sports, Lefteris Avgenakis, gave an interview to ANTENNA of Western Crete, to journalists Manolis Konsolakis and Giorgos Georgakakis, on the occasion of his recent visit to Chania.
Mr. Avgenakis referred to the issues that concerned him during his contacts and which certainly concern the Chania Regional Development Agency.
Regarding the issue of the swimming pool in Nea Chora, he reiterated that it is a clear priority and intention to carry out the project, as the facility no longer provides any security. He also referred to the issue of the studies, which have been completed by the OAK and are a prerequisite for starting the procedures of the next stage, so that we can get to the start of the work as soon as possible.
He also spoke about the 83,000 euro subsidy given to NOX, which is the largest to a nautical sports club, but also about the grant to the Chania Sports and Recreation Association, which is the largest ever given.
When asked about the condition of the pillars at the stadium, Mr. Avgenakis noted that he knows that they are in poor condition, however he does not have the same perception, as for example at OAKA, which has... walked on them, as he characteristically said.
Regarding the issue of 5 euros and the stadium entrance card, he noted that it applies normally and is an effort to ensure control and better provision of services to athletes, such as the cleanliness of the venue.
"The debate that has been opened is welcome and we will respond to Parliament with arguments. The entire new administration of the Chania Public Health Authority is fighting and working, giving their soul," he added.
Referring to the previous administration, he noted that there was no agreement and that is why the changes were made. “A coach makes changes for the better in his team. Look at the climate today, the dialogue that exists. It is important to cultivate love and not power-hungryness”, he noted.
FOR THE MEETING ON THE AKROTIRIO SWIMMING POOL
“I had a hard time understanding the Rector’s backtracking. There is a decision by Mr. Digalakis in 2017, which I congratulate for the work he did as Rector, but also today as a member of parliament. What had he put forward? On October 24, 2017, the issue of creating a track and field was raised at the Senate meeting and there was a unanimous decision. I see this. I also see that the National Track and Field Team is being used by Chania’s throwers. So when you learn that these athletes train in a field, it does no honor to any of us. So I said that these facilities are a priority and we got to the point of signing a program agreement, which explicitly mentions the creation of this facility for the training of athletes and the hosting of events. So we met to see where the studies are overall. After I agreed to give the amount of 68,000 euros for updating -I repeat the update- of the study, I saw that there is a questioning of what had been signed. The position of the Polytechnic through the Rector was erratic. Fortunately, there was an intervention by Mr. Digalakis, who continues to contribute and I hope it is understood that what has been signed are things that must be respected. If there is uncertainty or doubt, we will see how we will deal with it because, we fully respect the academic community, but the goal is the sports community of Chania to which we are addressing. If it does not serve the sports community then we have no obligation to get involved in the financing. If they changed their mind, the property is theirs”, said Mr. Avgenakis.
“My priority is the swimming pool in Nea Chora. If there is no track and field facility, what is the reason for me to finance a second swimming pool? The throwers must be served. It is a shame that these champions are training in the fields!”, he added.
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister of Sports emphasized that... "We are trying to make some interventions overall in the swimming pool and stadium, while some things, small but essential, are being done in the shooting range".
Finally, Mr. Avgenakis also referred to the phenomenon of fan violence and the initiatives undertaken by the state, on the occasion of the death of the 19-year-old in Thessaloniki,