On Friday 12 July 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr Giannis Kefalogiannis, met with the Mayor of Trikala and President of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Thessaly, Mr. Nikos Sakkas, in the presence of Chief HAGS, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Director of the National Defence Fund, Lieutenant General Evangelos Lykos, and the Secretary General of the Municipality of Trikala, Mr. Thomas Papasikas, at the Town Hall of Trikala and concluded a very important agreement on a matter lasting for 10 years, to the benefit of the NCO School and the citizens of Trikala.
The agreement concerns the exchange of lands of equal area between the National Defence Fund and the Municipality of Trikala, in areas surrounding the NCO School. The NCO School, located in Trikala since 1975, with this agreement, to the benefit of the students, will expand its facilities, after its needs increased due to the upgrade and improvement of the training provided.
On the side of the Municipality of Trikala, the thought of using this land as recreation and sports centres started 44 years ago, that is in 1980. The Municipality of Trikala has already initiated the creation of a Park of Alternative Activities (Skate Park) and a parking space in the area, while the goal is to generally use the space to the benefit of the citizens.
In the meeting, which was conducted in an excellent atmosphere, the proposals of the Deputy Minister of National Defence and the Mayor of Trikala were discussed in a short time period, since there was a positive attitude by both sides which led quickly to the conclusion of a very important agreement.
At the end of the meeting commemorative gifts were exchanged.
Upon conclusion of the meeting the two men made the following statements:
The Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis pointed out:
“In the context of the broader strategy of the Ministry of National Defence for the reinforcement of the operation and infrastructures of the Armed Forces, as well as the importance that the political leadership gives to the training of the personnel, through the work of the Military Academies, we continuously proceed to actions to upgrade military training. In this direction, we made an agreement with the Municipality of Trikala for a mutual exchange of lands. With this exchange, a matter pending for decades is resolved and opens the road for the expansion of the NCO School, aiming at covering the increased needs due to the upgrade of the School. I would like to warmly thank the Mayor of Trikala Mr. Nikos Sakkas for the conclusion of an agreement that will operate to the benefit of both the NCO School and the citizens of Trikala. At the same time, I would like to assure that in cooperation with the General Staffs and the academic community of all Schools, we will continue to improve the training provided, taking into account that the women and men of the Armed Forces constitute our most important weapon system and our undoubtful force multiplier.”
The Mayor of Trikala and President of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Thessaly Nikos Sakkas pointed out the following:
“I would like to thank the Deputy Minister, the Chief HAGS, and the Director of the National Defence Fund for the very important agreement we concluded. The NCO School, a jewel of Trikala that has left an indelible mark on its modern history, can now start the process of its expansion. Besides, we have proven that we support the School and cooperate to continuously improve its infrastructure, contributing wherever possible. At the same time, we, as Municipality of Trikala, conclude an exchange that started as a thought 44 years ago. Our Municipality can offer many more and even better alternatives to the citizens at the eastern side of the town, next to the “Giorgos Papanikolaou – Sofia Sakorafa” Municipal Stadium. Now, the whole area is upgraded, since the men and women of Trikala have the opportunity to use an important facility for sports and recreation”.
