The 31st International Congress of Physical Education and Sport of Democritus University of Thrace came to a close with great success, with the participation of physical education and sport scientists as well as a large number of visitors.
This year's congress took place from June 9 to 11, 2023 at the facilities of the School of Physical Education & Sport Science on the Komotini University Campus. Once again, the Congress hosted distinguished speakers with long academic careers in Sport Science, along with many Greek and international delegates from various countries, strengthening the scientific standing and recognition of the School in the international academic community.
The congress was organized by #enaevents, the service of ena Development Consultants that designs and delivers corporate, educational and informational events and conferences, in person, hybrid and remote, in the physical and digital world.
A wide range of Physical Education topics, embracing current trends and following developments in Sport Science, was covered by more than 340 presentations of research studies and papers of practical interest presented at the Congress.
The 31st edition exceeded initial expectations, hosting more than 900 delegates over the three days. Young scientists studying at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of Democritus University of Thrace showed particular enthusiasm, taking part in the sessions and parallel activities of the Congress, while more than 250 participants were trained in the 9 theoretical and practical seminars that took place.
The Congress's rich program was completed by round tables on topical subjects and special events, with the support of the Hellenic Academy of Physical Education, the five postgraduate programs of the DPESS–DUTh and the Hellenic Basketball Federation. More than 70 speakers honored these informational and educational activities with their participation. By following developments closely, the Congress managed to cover new trends in sport in a timely and authoritative way.
The congress opened early on Friday morning with two separate workshops, which introduced complex circuit training exercises and the special techniques of Watsu (water shiatsu).
These were followed by oral presentations of scientific papers on topics such as exercise physiology, team sports coaching, sports marketing, sports history and more.
Friday's educational seminars concluded with a briefing on the Snoezelen Room, a multisensory environment for people with disabilities and chronic conditions, and the impressive hands-on Mermaiding seminar on learning to swim with a mermaid tail, which thrilled everyone who chose to attend.
During the first day of the Congress, two round tables were also held on research, innovation and modern technologies applied to Health and Exercise, which drew the delegates' interest.
There was also a large turnout for the round table on Greek Basketball, where the future of Greek basketball was discussed under the guidance of expert speakers.
At the official opening ceremony, in an atmosphere of emotion and nostalgia, Greek basketball was honored in the person of the president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation, Evangelos Liolios, as well as iconic basketball players who played an important role in its glorious history. More specifically, from the world of basketball, Fragiskos Alvertis, Dimitris Papanikolaou, Nikos Chatzivrettas, Giannis Kalampokis and Vaios Gioras honored the event and the Congress with their presence. A special moment was the award presented to Panagiotis Giannakis, the man linked, as both player and coach, with the greatest successes of Greek basketball.
Also attending the event and delivering greetings were the former Deputy Minister of National Defense and Civil Protection, Nikos Chardalias, the Secretary General for Sport, Georgios Mavrotas, the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Christos Metios, the Mayor of Komotini, Ioannis Garanis, and the representative of the Metropolitan of Maroneia and Komotini.
On behalf of Democritus University of Thrace and the organizers, the opening ceremony was addressed by, among others, the Rector Fotios Maris, the Dean of the Department Eleni Douda and the Chair of the Organizing Committee Antonios Kampas.
From the academic community, the former rector Alexandros Polychronidis, the former senior rector Savvas Tokmakidis, the representative of the DUTh governing council and professor at the school Maria Michalopoulou, and professor emeritus Kyriakos Taxildaris were also in attendance.
The event was watched with enthusiasm by hundreds of people who filled the “G. Papadriellis” Amphitheater. A moving moment was the presentation of the department's highest award, the “Nikos Samaras Award”, to an iconic woman. Ms. Ada Stamatatou was honored for her contribution to sport and the sports movement, based on its value for people.
Delegates took part with undiminished interest in the second day of the Congress, during which most of the oral and digital poster presentations were given and the Congress keynote was delivered by Professor Andrew Jones, one of the most distinguished scientists in the field of Sport. Professor Andrew Jones, who is “behind” the great achievements of Eliud Kipchoge, was honored for his overall contribution to sport.
The delegates' response to Saturday's parallel activities was particularly positive: three round tables on a variety of topics, two theoretical seminars on Sports Law and Psychology, and two practical exercise workshops.
The last day of the congress took on a special color with the parallel Komo run event (the 2nd Rhodope half marathon), as dozens of runners crossed the facilities of the Department of Physical Education & Sport Science on their way to the finish line.
The congress sessions concluded with the final oral presentations of the delegates' scientific papers, the highly interesting seminar “Trampoline and Disability” and the round table “Sudden Death and Exercise: Prevention Measures”. The latter, during which basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation techniques were demonstrated, was dedicated to the memory of student Georgia Solanaki, who passed away unexpectedly a year earlier during her daily training.
The Congress concluded with a closing ceremony and the graduation of the School's Postgraduate Programs.
#enaevents, as the official organizer and on behalf of the Organizing Committee, would like to thank everyone who helped make the Congress happen: the student volunteers and the Teaching and Technical staff of the School for their flawless cooperation, the speakers and guests of honor who graced this year's congress with their presence, and all the delegates for their participation and support of the institution this year as well.
We look forward to seeing you at the 32nd International Congress of Physical Education & Sport.
