Copyright thenationalherald
SANTORINI – The Los Angeles Chargers successfully completed the first-ever inaugural series of NFL Flag Football events in Greece, marking a historic milestone for the sport’s development in the country. The activities took place in Santorini, engaging hundreds of children and families in a dynamic celebration of sport, education, and culture. Building Bridges through Sport and Culture The Chargers hosted two flag football camps, an exhibition game, and youth activities, giving local boys and girls the opportunity to learn and play the game in a fun and inclusive environment. The initiative aimed to promote flag football ahead of its debut as an official sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, celebrate the Greek heritage of the Spanos family – whose roots trace back to the island of Symi – and continue to expand the NFL’s global presence. Key events in the Los Angeles Chargers schedule included: Greece’s First-Ever Flag Football Camps Youth ages 11-13 had the opportunity to participate in a flag football camp hosted by the Los Angeles Chargers, learning the fundamentals of the sport in a fun and safe environment. Teen participants aged 13 and older took part in a second flag football camp, where they developed their skills and deepened their understanding of the game under the guidance of Chargers ambassadors. Flag Football Exhibition Game An exhibition game featuring Chargers legend Melvin Gordon, Greek-American former NFL linebacker and two-time Super Bowl participant Niko Koutouvides, Greek-Swedish football player and coach Melina Malaxos, members of Aegean Elite, Greece’s premier American football team, as well as official staff from the Los Angeles Chargers, showcasing the energy, excitement, and teamwork that defines flag football. Honoring Excellence and Contribution As part of the celebrations, special awards crafted from marble— a material deeply linked to ancient Greece and prominent in the Olympic Games— symbolized tradition and perfection, bridging historical heritage with the modern era, were presented to individuals who contributed to the growth of sports and international cooperation, including: The Spanos Family Chargers, legend Melvin Gordon and the winning team of the exhibition game, who received the MVP Stoiximan Award. Watch Party: Chargers vs. Dolphins On October 12, Greek media representatives, VIP guests and NFL fans gathered for a special watch party as the Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins 29-27 live on COSMOTE TV. On the occasion of the Los Angeles Chargers delegation visit to Santorini, Fred Maas, Chief of Staff and Counselor for the Los Angeles Chargers, said: “From the beginning, our goal has been to bring the sport of football to the country of Greece. In the initial infancy stages, we wanted to achieve that goal by offering flag football opportunities to the local youth helping them understand, enjoy, and learn what an incredible sport football truly is. In addition to the youth camps and exhibition game in Santorini, we also hosted a watch party to bring people together, share the excitement of the game, and help more fans experience its energy firsthand. Having a true Chargers presence in the country of Greece means a lot to us and the Spanos Family. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to our next visit.” Τhe events were organized with the support of the Municipality of Thira, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement through sport. The introduction of American football to Greece was made possible through the active support of Stoiximan, which enhanced both the event and the island through its social initiatives. High-Level Meetings Strengthening Collaboration During their visit, the Chargers also held a series of important meetings with key Greek officials and institutional representatives, including: Christos Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Greece; Vasiliki Koutsoukou, Secretary General for Tourism Policy (on behalf of Minister Olga Kefalogianni); Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee; Nikos Zorzos, Mayor of Thira, and representatives from Deree – The American College of Greece. These meetings underscored the shared vision of expanding international sports collaborations, promoting Greece as a hub for athletic and cultural exchange, and fostering youth participation through sports development. For more information about upcoming initiatives in Greece, visit www.chargers.com or follow the Chargers on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/chargers Instagram: instagram.com/chargersgreece/ X: x.com/chargers YouTube: youtube.com/@Chargers TikTok: tiktok.com/@chargers LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/los-angeles-chargers
