European champion Antigoni Drisbioti visited Melbourne’s Greek Centre ahead of her big race on Sunday in the Chemist Warehouse Australian 20km Race Walk Championships at Fawkner Park in South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria.
Board members of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) and the first Greek athlete to land a gold double medal in a single athletics event, Antigoni Drisbioti, visited the Greek Centre on Friday, February 10.
The President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, and a delegation of the Board extended a warm welcome to Antigoni where she was given a tour of the Greek Centre and an overview of the Community’s activities.
On hand to greet her amongst others was also Dr Nick Dallas (Education Chair + Finance Committees + Seminars + Hellenic Chair at the University of Melbourne) and Leonidas Vlahakis (Community Outreach + Cultural Programs Chair).
Mr Papastergiadis greeted Antigoni and expressed his admiration for her achievements and presented her with a community plaque to acknowledge her visit.
“It is a great honour to have Antigoni with us at the Greek Centre. Antigoni is one of Greece’s great athletes and her Greek spirit has shown greatly through her athletic achievements,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“We want her to know that the GCM is by her side and supports her. We wish her success in her upcoming race on Sunday and we invite all the Greeks in Melbourne to come to Fawkner Park and support her.”
Dr Nick Dallas also stated: “The Greek Community of Melbourne was honoured to host Karditsa-born Greek athlete and race walker Antigoni Ntrispioti.”
“In the 2022 European Championships Antigoni finished first in both the 20km and 35km races. She is currently in Melbourne to take part in the Chemist Warehouse Australian 20km Race Walk Championships at Fawkner Park, South Yarra, this Sunday.
“This race being part of her preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. We encourage everyone to come to support this great athlete and we wish her every success.”
Antigoni also received from Christina Soumi (Teacher and Education officer- GCM’s Language and Culture School) on behalf of the GCM a didgeridoo and found out about the history and the significance of the instrument for the Aboriginal community.
Antigoni Ntrispioti will take part in the Chemist Warehouse Australian Race Walk Championships at Fawkner Park, South Yarra, this Sunday, February 12 at 7am -9am
