Personal Information 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 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 Member of Central Committee of New Democracy Party. 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. She is Chairperson of the Hellenic-Korean Parliamentary Friendship Group and member of the Hellenic-Romanian, Hellenic- Jordanian, Hellenic-Uzbek and Hellenic-French Parliamentary Friendship Groups Political and Social Engagement Mrs. Kountoura engages and develops a very strong social and philanthropic activity in Greece and abroad. She participates in numerous Non-Governmental-Organizations, such as UNICEF, “ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ”, “Παναθηναϊκή” 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.