A Press Conference was held this evening at the Greek ConsulateοΏ½s Press Office to promote the Pan-Hellenic Games which kick off on Friday 25th March οΏ½ Greek National Day and the date the first Olympics of the modern era commenced in 1896.

Games Chairman Costa Vertzayias was pleased with the participation numbers and said:- οΏ½the weather will not dampen the athletesοΏ½ enthusiasm, there is much excitement and a great competition is promised.οΏ½

The Perth contingent arrives Thursday and most others on Friday morning and they get into the action straight away.  The first event is the menοΏ½s soccer game between Victoria and South Australia at 1p.m. at Belmore Oval, followed by NSW v. N.Z. at 3p.m. and W.A. v. Qld at 5p.m.

The soccer will continue all day on Saturday at Belmore Oval, whilst the taekwondo and wrestling will alternate from 10a.m. at Sydney Olympic Park.  The finals of the soccer will be held on Sunday at Belmore Oval together with a community panagyri hosted by Canterbury Council.  On Monday the swimming will be held at Maroubra and the athletics at Pagewood.  Entry to all events is free.

It should also be noted that the opening ceremony has been switched from the Town Hall to Mytilinean House on Saturday night at 7.30p.m.

SAE Alternate President Stefanos Tamvakis flew in tonight from Alexandria to represent Andrew Athens at the Pan Hellenic Games.
  
        23 March, 2005