The Municipality of Thessaloniki is accelerating preparations for the second edition of the sports series Alexander the Great International Games. Following the success of the inaugural 2025 edition, when high-profile athletes competed across stadiums, open public spaces and iconic city landmarks, preparations for this year are already underway at the municipality's Sports Directorate, led by Deputy Mayor Koula Giannakidou.
Last August, Giannakidou sent formal invitations to all Olympic sports federations to propose internationally oriented competitions and tournaments to be hosted in Thessaloniki. To date, proposals have been submitted by more than 16 federations, a number expected to grow, including plans for international meets, European championships and high-level tournaments. Ongoing coordination meetings are taking place, with a final planning session anticipated with Mayor Stelios Angeloudis to finalise the framework for the 2026 Games.
In 2025, the municipality's sports calendar featured events organised by 20 Olympic sports federations and six associations for athletes with disabilities. Competitions ran from May through to the end of the year and covered a wide range of disciplines, including football, basketball, beach volleyball, handball, swimming, tennis, rowing, sailing and cycling. Giannakidou said, "Last year we did very well. We had competitions with 3,000 people and great athletes. Images from Thessaloniki travelled all over the world. So we are continuing this year," noting that many sporting surprises are planned.
Building on this momentum, the municipality plans to stage competitions once again in open-air settings and at landmark locations. In May 2025, events such as pole vaulting at the Arch of Galerius (Kamara) and beach volleyball in Aristotelous Square delivered visually powerful moments that boosted the city's international profile. As with the previous edition, the 2026 Games will be organised by the Municipality of Thessaloniki in close cooperation with national Olympic federations and officially recognised local sports clubs, with organisers promising further sporting surprises in the year ahead.
*By Katia Gerakaritou - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
