The Ultimate Greek Super Model: Helena K.

**Tidus** Thu Apr 22, 2010 7:04 pm

Born in Athens, daughter of a retired Officer of the Hellenic Army. Mrs. Elena Kountoura is married to Mr. Sarandis Papachristopoulos and has two sons, Alexander and Marios.
Being interested in sports from her youth, she joined the Greek National Gymnastics Association at the age of 11. She broke the national record in 100m block and high jump several times and received both national and international athletic recognition.
She studied Physical Education and Sports Science at the University of Athens .
She speaks three languages: French, English and Spanish

Professional Details
1984 to 1996: International Career in the Fashion Industry
Paris being her permanent basis, she traveled all around the world, cooperated with many prestigious designers and magazines and signed an exclusive contract with the multinational cosmetics company Shiseido. During the 1990's she was established as a supermodel, with CNN declaring her as one of the top 10 models of the world.

1996 to 2003: Chief Editor of several Greek lifestyle Magazines
Starting her career in the media as chief editor of numerous Greek lifestyle magazines with a broad social content, she was the initiator of the award of The Woman of the Year. In 2001, she established together with her husband, Mr. Sarandis Papachristopoulos, well-known athlete and successful participant in the Greek National Basketball team, their own publishing company.

From 2004: Member of the Hellenic Parliament
MP for the A' District of Athens with the NEW DEMOCRACY Party. She participates in the following Parliamentary Committees: the Special Permanent Committee on Equality and Human Rights, the Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection and the Standing Committee on Cultural and Educational Affairs, which concerns Cultural, Educational and Sports subjects. Furthermore, Mrs. Kountoura comprises the Alternate Shadow Minister of Culture of the New Democracy Party and she is also a party member in the Committees of Tourism, Health and Social Solidarity.

Political and Social Engagement
Mrs. Kountoura engages and develops a very strong social and philanthropic activity. She participates in numerous Non-Governmental-Organizations, such as UNICEF, �š��’ΩΤ�ŸΣ , � αναθηναική Women's Association and the Pan-Hellenic Association of Volunteers against cancer . She contributes to several missions, celebrations and events organized by these NGO's and which serve the protection of human rights, as well as other social subjects.

The Ultimate Greek Super Model: Helena K. Index