ChicagoοΏ½s Hellenic community will honor a volunteer to the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games as Hellene of the Year and will salute Greek Americans in Chicago broadcast media at the 29th annual banquet of the United Hellenic American Congress on Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 160 East Pearson.

Kostas Zografopoulos, a truly unique individual, who despite the loss of both of his legs in a car accident, is leading the way by his example of giving back to his community. This gift of leadership, faith and his love for life, is an inspiration for all of us. The word οΏ½noοΏ½ or οΏ½canοΏ½tοΏ½ are not in his vocabulary.

Kostas proudly carried the Olympic Torch for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and worked as a volunteer for the Paralympic Games, which followed the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, this year.

For his community work and his support of issues, through his foundation, he has earned the respect of Hellenes in America, Greece and Brazil where he was born,οΏ½ said UHAC Chairman Andrew A. Athens.

οΏ½The Salute to Broadcast Media honors individuals who through hard work, talent and vision have reached a position that our youth, and all Greek-Americans can look up to,οΏ½ Mr. Athens said. Among others, the honorees include Danae Alexander (WNUA); Art Andros (WSBC Radio); Diana Berryman (Shadow Traffic and Moody); Lou Canellis (CLTV News); Andrea Darlas (WGN Radio); Anna Davlantes (NBC-5); Susanna Homan; Jim Karas (Jim Karas Training); Bud Photopulos (ABC News); Terry Poulos (Picture this Sport); Dean Richards (WGN Radio); Bill Souronis (Shadow Traffic); Kiki Vale (WJJG Radio); Kim Vatis (NBC-5), and ethnic broadcasters Vicky Kournetas (Hellenic Heartbeat); Antigone Lambrou (Hellenic Interlude); Tom Chiampas (Hellenic American Radio Hour), and John Diamantis (Athens Greek Radio).
 
UHAC, founded in 1974 to serve as an umbrella organization to unite Greek Americans, works on national and local levels to promote US government policies that are beneficial to Greece, Cyprus and Greek Orthodoxy. UHAC has founded the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center in Chicago, the only such institution in the U.S., publishes the Greek Star newspaper and sponsors cultural, religious and social events.

For tickets to the banquet or additional information call 312- 640-1055. 

Mr. Kostas Zografopoulos