Souda Spotlight: Angelo Liapakis, MWR Fitness Center

Story and photo by Joel Diller, Public Affairs

Angelo Liapakis, a native of Crete, has worked at NSA Souda Bay’s Fitness Center for about 20 years. Byron Gale, MWR Fitness Center director, said Angelo is instrumental to the gym’s operation. Angelo is in the Souda Spotlight for his role managing the inventory and organizing athletic events to keep Team Souda healthy and fit.

What do you do at the Fitness Center (during non-COVID times)?

Normally, I’m going in around 8 a.m. and I check emails first and respond to them or other requirements we have. And then usually we have events going on: two times a month we have 5k runs; we have other special events, like once a year we do the Strongman Competition or the Eco-Challenge; and then we have some other programs inside the facility where we help the customers get fit and reward them by having some games such as ‘Build the Parthenon’ or ‘Swim to Athens’ where they get points for their progress and we reward them when they reach the end, with a T-shirt, let’s say.

Do you have a favorite story from working at the Fitness Center?

A few years ago, during the Eco-Challenge, we had a meeting with the Greek police and I was the point of contact for the Fitness Center. A few police officers didn’t know the Akrotiri Peninsula and told me that I had to be in the police car with them, otherwise the whole event will be canceled. And I said it is very difficult for me because I have to go around the peninsula in my car to check the stations to make sure everything is good to go – I cannot be just in one police car and just go around. But the athletic director said it was OK and I was with him for 2 ½ hours doing the bike portion with a radio in my one hand and a cell phone in the other hand so I could talk to everyone. It was tough and challenging, but I was happy to do that.

What do you like to do outside of work?

During the summer I like to travel. I like to travel around the Greek islands – do some island hopping. In the winter time, I like to be at home and take my car around the island because Crete is really big and no matter what, you always find a hidden place.

Where are the favorite places you’ve visited?

One of the clearest waters I’ve seen was at Skorpios island. Many years ago I went over there. There is a very nice place south of Heraklion called Agio Farago. Drive and leave your car in the parking lot and walk 20 minutes on a nice path and you can see the beach – it is a nice beach.

What do you want Team Souda to know about the Fitness Center?

We’re here for the Sailors and we have up-todate machines and facilities so they can enjoy their time here and pass their physical test – it’s nice to help the Sailors achieve their goal.