Naxos: Vroutsis and Pyrros Dimas at Milosia

Sports Minister and Cyclades MP Giannis Vroutsis visited Filoti in Naxos as part of the “Milosia 2026” event. The minister attended at the village’s municipal stadium, where he was given a warm welcome by residents. Also at the event was Pyrros Dimas, holder of three Olympic gold medals and one bronze in weightlifting. Also present was Afroditi Skafida, a two-time Olympic Games participant with distinctions in the pole vault. Their presence gave a particular tone to this year’s event.

Giannis Vroutsis was honoured by the Community of Filoti for his contribution to sport and to the islands. A separate award followed from the Filoti Athletic and Cultural Association of Naxos. The minister was also given a symbolic gift, a “koudouna,” the traditional bell used by Naxos shepherds on their flocks. The gift was accompanied by thanks for his contribution to Cycladic livestock farming. The report does not include any statements from the minister.

The centrepiece of “Milosia 2026” is the football final, dedicated to the memory of Emmanouil Makaris. Participation declarations were set for 18:00 and the match kick-off for 18:30. The event is organised by the Filoti Athletic and Cultural Association “O Zeus.” Co-organiser is the Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades. The event is part of the village’s programme of summer activities.

Filoti is one of the largest mountain villages of Naxos, located at the foot of Za, the highest peak in the Cyclades. Livestock farming remains a core activity in the area, which explains the symbolism of the gift given to the minister. Local sports and cultural associations organise a series of events every summer. These events draw both permanent residents and visitors with roots in the village. The mid-August period marks the peak of this calendar.

The presence of top athletes at local island events serves, according to the organisers, as an incentive for children to join sports clubs. On small islands, where sports infrastructure is limited, contact with athletes of international standing is rare. Pyrros Dimas remains one of the most recognisable figures in Greek sport. Afroditi Skafida represented the country at two Olympic Games in the pole vault. Both regularly take part in initiatives promoting sport in the regions.

Naxos has also been in the spotlight recently over other local government issues, such as the request by five villages for a bus route. The island is seeing increased traffic this year, with ships to the Cyclades recording occupancy rates approaching 96%. The mid-August events are expected to draw large numbers of visitors to the mountain villages. The Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades is involved in organising several of them. The programme is announced by the respective local associations.

Cyclades Today will also cover the remaining events of the period on the islands. More from Naxos on the Naxos page. Organisers are asking visitors to follow announcements for any changes to the programme. The events take place outdoors and are affected by weather conditions. Strong winds in the coming days may require adjustments.