When you win the EHF Champions League with FC Barcelona Handball - or with Barcelona in any sport - you would expect the gold medal to hold a special plave among your most treasured possessions.
Yet, in a remarkable act of sportsmanship, Konstantin Igropulo, assistant coach of FC Barcelona Handball, chose to present his Champions League gold medal to the highly respected and decorated coach Giorgos Kranakis in recognition of everyting coach Kranakis had offered him during the time they worked together.
This extraordinary gesture was the definition of Fair Play, and the International FairPlay Passport (IFPP) could not remain indifferent.
In collaboration with the Athletic Club of Ioannina and the city's handball team, the IFPP was awarded to both Igropulo and Kranakis by Ioannis Karampinas, Alexandra Gremou and Stavros Sioulas at the conclusion of a training session for selected young athletes.
By recognizing this exceptional act in front of the next geberation of players, we hope to inspire young athletes to embrace the true values of respect, gratitude, humility, and Fair Play.
Our warmest congratulations to both recipients for reminding us that the greatest victories are not measured only by trophies, but also by character.
