This is a special issue to celebrate the conclusion of the first Pan Hellenic Games held in almost half a century. And what a revival - as for the first time ever there were athletes from all parts of Australia and New Zealand. In all, with the trainers and officials, there were over 300 participants in an exciting and fun-filled 4 days, which has left us all with many fond memories.

As always, the football attracted the most participants and crowds (thanks as well to Canterbury Council for providing a first class ground and BBQ on finalsοΏ½ day). The table after the preliminaries:-

 W D L F A P
NSW 2 0 0 13 0 4
VIC 2 0 0 12 0 4
W.A 1 0 1 4 4 2
N.Z 1 0 1 3 6 2
QLD 0 0 2 1 9 0
S.A 0 0 2 0 13 0

Western Australia defeated New Zealand 2-1 for the bronze medal in a controversial finish as New Zealand scored what would have been the equaliser just as the referee blew the full time whistle. The gold medal game between an evenly matched NSW and Victoria was an exciting all action spirited final, which eventually went to the home state by five goals to two. Earlier that day the NSW and South Australian women battled it out, with again the home state running out 3 -1 winner. However, NSW did not have it all its own way in the other sports especially taekwondo where the Victorians (Christina Falieros, Con Lazos and Con Nikolouzakis) had the upper hand, (mention should also be made of Asimina Ramirez (ACT), Victoria Arfaras (NSW), Nicholas Prilis (NSW) and Vasilis Papageorgiou (SA) whilst in wrestling, the Pertsinidis brothers from Canberra and Con Yiangou (NSW), Nicholas Poriotis (Wollongong), Necktarios Houlis (NSW and Arthur Kinnas did very well. Both events were held at the Sydney Sports Centre at Olympic Park Homebush and to add to the interest Taekwondo convenor Constantinos Prassoulas turned on an exhibition match that beat anything you have seen on the silver screen.

The swimming was of historical significance, as it appears that such a meet has never before been held in our communityοΏ½s organised life. It was professionally run by officials from the NSW Swimming Association using state of the art technology to monitor the results. The depth of swimming talent is impressive and one should mention the following names whom I am sure you will see again in the near future. George Hilellis (NSW), Mathew Condos (NSW), Olga Messiakaris (SA), John Kranitis (NSW), Marissa Stamoulis (VIC), Marissa Casimatis (NSW), Michael Carayannis (NSW) and Anna Arvanitopoulos (NSW).

Equally impressive was the professionalism of the officials in conducting the track and field events at the Hensley Athletic Field, Pagewood. Again, the talent from across Australia is impressive and mention should be made of Phylaktis Georgiou (WA), Stephanie Vathis (VIC), Peter Want (NSW), Theodosi Cotsaris (SA), Georgina Stylianou (NSW), Christos Kozionas (QLD), Louis Turner (SA), Antonia Yiakkoupis (QLD) and Christian Alexander (NSW).

Parallel to the sporting events receptions for the athletes were held by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, AHEPA and Castellorizian Club to whom the Organising Committee is most grateful. The highlight was, undoubtedly, the opening ceremony held at the Mytilinian House where over 450 athletes, officials and guests experienced an unforgettable evening, which relived the euphoria of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. So much so that Greek Consul General Ioannis Raptakis in his welcome said οΏ½οΏ½ am I in Sydney on 26 March or in Athens on 13 August οΏ½οΏ½ Many thanks to Helen Zerefos, Paroula Thurban and her dancers and the Athens 2004 volunteers who all contributed colour and glitter to the incredible night.

It would be remiss of me not to thank everyone who helped in every way to the success of the Pan Hellenic Games including Pettaras Press, Greek Herald, O Kosmos, SBS, 2MM, Con Mavrocordatos, Peter Katholos, Diane, Dion and Maria from my office, Athletics NSW, Eastern Suburbs Swimming Association, the soccer and wrestling referees, the sporting convenors, the Achaian Federation, the volunteers and last but not least the members of the Organising Committee.

What a great four days οΏ½ The Pan Hellenic Games brought our youth together in Games of a high standard in excellent venues and stressed the importance of maintaining Hellenic heritage. Distant and smaller communities like Wellington, Perth and Brisbane felt welcome by their cousins in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide and new friendships were forged in true Olympic spirit. May the dream never end!

And now that we have established the Pan Hellenic spirit of the Pan Hellenic Games let us endeavour to come together to build Pan Hellenic Centres in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide!

Stay in Touch!

Costa Vertzayias                                                                           1 April, 2005

P.S. The tennis section of the Games will be consolidated with the 2005 Hellenic Australian Tennis Championships, which will be held on 23-25 April 2005 at Cintra Park Tennis Centre Gipps Street Concord. Applications close 6 April 2005. For details contact John Giavis on 0418401461.