Greek sprinter Athanasios Ghavelas and guide Sotirios Gkaragkanis have set a new world record and won gold in the men’s 100-meter sprint final on Thursday at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Ghavelas, 22, and Gkaragkanis won the category T11 with a time of 10.82 seconds, beating their own record of 10.88 seconds in the qualifiers the day before.
France’s Timothee Adolphe won silver just 0.8 seconds after Gkaragkanis and China’s Di Dongdong followed at 11.03 seconds for the bronze medal.
The sprinter spoke about setting two world records in less than 24 hours.
“This category is about visual problems and when something like this happens, we have the energy and strength to continue. I wish for all the people who have any problem to continue to do everything they like or love, just as we are doing,” he says in a Paralympic article.
He also spoke about living with a visual impairment and his companion Gkaragkanis early last month.
“You need a companion in the race that you can work in absolute harmony. In fact, your companion must have a better performance than you…” Gkaragkanis says.
“You have to have excellent coordination, to move like a single body… This requires hard practice in training.”
Ghavelas set another world record of 10.98 seconds in the 100-meter T11 final at the European Championships in June.
Greece is so far bringing eight Paralympic medals home, including two silver and five bronze.
President Katerina Sakellaropoulou hailed him as a “pan-Hellenic personality” who was also “a universal artist, an invaluable asset of our musical culture”.
“He was given a rich and fruitful life that he lived with passion, a life dedicated to music, the arts, our country, and its people, dedicated to the ideas of freedom, justice, equality, and social solidarity.”
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says “his voice was silenced and with him, the whole of Hellenism was silenced”.
Greece today mourns the loss of Mikis Theodorakis. An iconic composer. A fighter for democracy and social justice. We are deeply saddened by his passing, and are only comforted by the knowledge that his legacy will live on, enriching lives the world over, for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/VbfM2uMXbM
Έδωσε νέο νόημα στην ελευθερία, τον πολιτισμό, την τέχνη, τη συμμετοχή. Τον αποχαιρετούμε με τη βεβαιότητα ότι αυτό που αφήνει πίσω του είναι ανεξίτηλο. Στην ψυχή του λαού μας, στην ταυτότητα της πατρίδας μας, στην πολιτιστική κληρονομιά της οικουμένης. #Μικης_Θεοδωρακηςpic.twitter.com/ouPOzHgD1F
— Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού (@cultureGR) September 2, 2021
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni
Türk Yunan dostluğuna ciddi katkıları olmuş, dünyaca ünlü Yunan besteci Mikis Theodorakis hayatını kaybetti. Dostluğa, demokrasiye, sanata yaptığı katkıyı ve bestelerini unutmayacağız… pic.twitter.com/aNq26oWp9I
Theodorakis is best known for his film scores to Zorba the Greek (1964), Serpico (1973), and Z (1969).
He wrote and composed over a thousand songs in his 60-year career.
He was also a symbol of resistance to the 1967-74 military dictatorship in Greece, which arrested, imprisoned, exiled Theodorakis, and banned his music.
He was inspired by Marxist ideas and became a politician between 1981 and 1993 and was highly recognized and respected in his later years.
His body will lie in repose for three days next week at Athens Cathedral. He is survived by Myrto, his daughter, Margarita, his son, Yorgos, five grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
Η Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Κοινότητα Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας συμμεριζόμενη το πένθος για τον εκλιπόντα Μίκη Θεοδωράκη εκφράζει στην οικογένειά του τα βαθιά και ειλικρινή συλλυπητήρια της.
Έφυγε από την ζωή ένας εκ των μεγαλύτερων Ελλήνων της μεταπολεμικής περιόδου, ο παγκοσμίου φήμης Μίκης Θεοδωράκης.
Πάντοτε θα θυμόμαστε τον Μίκη Θεοδωράκη ως ένα από τους πιο δραστήριους αγωνιστές, τον ηγέτη τον μουσικοσυνθέτη, τον άνθρωπο που έκανε γνωστή την μικρή Ελλάδα ανά την υφήλιο. Το όνομά του είναι ταυτισμένο με τον «Ζορμπά» και όλοι μας έχουμε χορέψει το συρτάκι.
Η απώλειά του έχει βυθίσει στο πένθος όχι μόνο τους απανταχού Έλληνες αλλά και την παγκόσμια Κοινότητα.
Τα έργα του μεγάλα, απέραντα, και ο χώρος πολύ μικρός για να τα απαριθμήσουμε. Το κενό που άφησε με τον θάνατό του είναι μεγάλο και δυσβάσταχτο. Καλό ταξίδι Μίκη Θεοδωράκη, αιωνία η μνήμη σου.
Με τις μελωδίες του άγγιξε τις ψυχές όλων των Ελλήνων και όλων των ανθρώπων ανά το παγκόσμιο. Με τους αγώνες του για τα δημοκρατικά και πατριωτικά ιδεώδη, ενέπνευσε και έγινε διαχρονικό πρότυπο για τους νέους, πολλών γενεών. Με θάρρος και ανιδιοτέλεια, υπερασπίστηκε μέχρι τέλους τη «μεγάλη ουτοπία της ζωής» του, την ενότητα του ελληνικού Έθνους. Και με βαθιά αφοσίωση στην Ορθόδοξη πίστη, μια «κορυφαία μορφή και λειτουργία της εθνικής μας συνείδησης», υπερασπίστηκε τα δίκαια του Οικουμενικού μας Πατριαρχείου και του Πατριάρχη Βαρθολομαίου, που αποτελούν «τα σύμβολα της Ελληνικής Ορθοδοξίας».
Ο σπουδαίος Μίκης Θεοδωράκης, ο «παγκόσμιος» Μίκης όπως τον έχουν χαρακτηρίσει πολλοί ή ο «Ουρανο-Μίκης» όπως τον είχε εύστοχα αποκαλέσει ο αοίδιμος Μητροπολίτης Κισάμου και Σελίνου Ειρηναίος, έφυγε σήμερα από την επίγεια ζωή για την επουράνια βασιλεία του Θεού, κληροδοτώντας στον Ελληνισμό και στην Οικουμένη ευρύτερα μια ανεκτίμητη καλλιτεχνική, αλλά και πνευματική παρακαταθήκη.
Είμαι βέβαιος ότι η παρακαταθήκη αυτή δε θα μείνει αναξιοποίητη. Οι απανταχού Έλληνες, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των ομογενών μας στην Αυστραλία που με απεριόριστο σεβασμό και αγάπη έχουν αγκαλιάσει τον σπουδαίο μουσικοσυνθέτη και το έργο του, θα συνεχίσουν να εμπνέονται, να καθοδηγούνται και να εμψυχώνονται από τους λόγους και από το παράδειγμά του.
Ας είναι ελαφρύ το χώμα της κρητικής γης που σε λίγο θα τον σκεπάσει.
Mikis of Resistance and Struggle, Mikis of creation and the great arts, is no longer with us. He passed away on Thursday 2 September at the age of 96.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia is deeply saddened and mourns the passing of Mikis Theodorakis, Greece’s most acclaimed composer whose name is directly associated with struggle, exile and music works that have been adored by millions around the world. Mikis’ love for the arts and his musical genius were inspired during the difficult years of exile where he composed music, representative of a whole era. An era during which Mikis Theodorakis not only was an active participant, he was the protagonist, leading a whole generation who shared the same ideals.
Because of his views and action, he was imprisoned, tortured and sent to exile, affecting his health which later led to further issues that followed him to the end of his life.
Mikis Theodorakis was the composer who encapsulated the turbulent history of our homeland through his lyrics and notes, as he himself lived and experienced it for almost one full century.
It was the man who taught us how to sing the poetic lyrics of our great poets and he was content to see these works growing roots in the heart and mind of a whole nation.
For it is the struggles, deep history, desires and vision of the Greek people that echo in those lyrics. His works resulted in the Renaissance of ‘Romiosini’ (Greekness).
His music and its impact went well beyond the Greek borders as Mikis created pure culture that touched millions around the world advocating justice and a better life for everyone.
He had a special bond with Cyprus and the Greeks of Diaspora because this is where he found refuge in order to gather his strength, organise and fuel the struggle against the Greek junta during an era known as ‘stone years’, stretching from the Civil War until the fall of the military junta in 1974.
His relationship with the pain-stricken people of Cyprus was particularly strong and this is why he gave numerous concerts there pushing for struggle towards freedom and independence.
Mikis Theodorakis as a fiery advocate of community ideals, was a close friend and ally of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia and we were honoured to welcome him at the Olympic Hall in two occasions, one was during the anti-dictatorship struggle in 1972 on behalf of the Patriotic Front and his second visit with his wife Mirto in 1995.
Honouring the great Greek composer, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia has at times organised concerts featuring his works, with the last concert in his honour being in November 2018.
Memory eternal our dearest friend Miki. Your songs, your legacy and your struggle will remain alive with us for ever.
Our deepest and heart felt condolences to the family of Mikis Theodorakis.
The whole of the Greek speaking and philhellene world is reeling from the death of the great composer Mikis Theodorakis who leaves behind him not only an enormous cultural legacy with his musical works, but also from his public life.
Theodorakis created masterpieces that spoke of individual and social struggle of the times in which he lived. He freely imparted his political views and created music that spoke to the masses in his homeland of Greece and also to people around the world.
Whilst his music knows no borders, Theodorakis advocacy and public life in Greece and on behalf of the Greek people is well documented and eventually led to a stint in the Greek parliament.
He first visited Australia in 1972 touring with Maria Farantouri and Petros Pandis. He toured once again in 1995 with both concert series heralded.
His music hwoever was a constant visitor to our shores with many visiting Greek artists including his music in their repertoire.
Most recently, his music featured heavily in the Songs of Liberation concerts paying tribute to the great Greek composers which toured Australia.
Our deepest condolences to those he has left behind.
Port Adelaide Football Club player, Mitch Georgiades, has been involved in a crash at Henley Beach, during which a 16-year-old girl was knocked off her scooter.
Police say Georgiades, 19, was driving a Toyota Prado towards the intersection of Grange Rd and Mitton Ave, when his car and the scooter collided.
The girl was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Her injuries are not serious.
.@pafc star Mitch Georgiades has been involved in a crash at Henley Beach that has left a 16yo scooter rider in hospital. The teen was travelling on Grange Road when the Toyota pulled out, hitting the Vespa and knocking the L-plater off. The latest in 7NEWS at 4pm & 6pm. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/5IiZQciM7T
The accident continues a difficult run for high-flying Georgiades, who has been battling hamstring soreness since being subbed out of his team’s final match of the AFL minor round, a thrilling win over the Western Bulldogs on August 20.
Legendary Greek composer, politician and writer, Mikis Theodorakis, has passed away at the age of 96.
During his sixty-year career, Theodorakis wrote over 1,000 songs, many symphonic works, cantatas and oratorios, music for dozens of plays and tragedies, operas and music for the cinema.
Theodorakis was born in Chios on July 29, 1925, to a Cretan father and an Asia Minor mother.
Due to the professional capacity of his father (senior civil servant) he spent his childhood moving to various cities in Greece, including Mytilene, Syros, Athens, Ioannina, Argostoli, Patras, Pyrgosand Tripoli.
Before World War II he had discovered his love for music and wrote his first compositions, while in 1942 he published his first poems, under the pseudonym Dinos May.
In 1943, he settled permanently in Athens and continued his musical studies, with Philoktitis Economidis as his teacher. At the same time, he worked with the resistance, working through the ranks of EPON and the KKE. He was arrested by the Italians and sent to prison.
During the Civil War (1946-1949) he was exiled first to Ikaria and then to Makronisos. His political persecutions do not stop his creative work. He composed works of classical music and on March 5, 1950, his first play, “Festival of Asi-Gonia” (1946), was presented at the Orpheus theatre in Athens, by the Athens State Orchestra.
With the imposition of the dictatorship of April 21, 1967, a new cycle of persecution and exile will begin for the composer, which will end in 1970 with the amnesty that will be granted to him after international outcry.
The composer went abroad and gave dozens of concerts against the colonels, which will make him known everywhere as a symbol of the anti-dictatorship struggle.
The lighting and signage used in a bustling shopping center are two aspects of interior architecture that concern Monash University student and designer Ilianna Ginnis.
This is because these facets can determine how accessible this space is for people who live with intellectual disabilities and who communicate nonverbally.
“When you see someone [with an intellectual disability] reacting negatively to an environment, it’s their version of communicating, ‘this environment isn’t for me’,” Ginnis says.
“It’s hard for someone neurotypical to understand why that individual is acting the way they are and that’s because disability awareness is still a way to go.”
(Photos: Supplied)
Ginnis has dedicated her time studying interior architecture at Monash University raising awareness and working for neuro-diverse communities.
“I’m trying to change the world and my younger sister is my ‘why’,” Ginnis tells the Greek Herald.
“Growing up, when I was eight years old, I had to grow up to look after her.”
Ginnis’ younger sister Michelle lives with neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 and communicates non-verbally.
NF is a set of three complex genetic conditions that cause tumors to develop on nerve cells throughout the body, including the brain, spine, and skin.
Ginnis’ developed a particular soft spot for people living with these conditions in her childhood.
“Growing up, my parents went through financial difficulty so I took a massive role in becoming her carer.”
Ilianna and her family (@ginnis_design on Instagram)
Ginnis was born in Kalymnos in Greece’s southeastern Dodecanese islands. Her father was raised in the capital of the Northern Territory while her mother was raised in Greece.
She says they moved from Darwin to Melbourne for a “better quality of life” and the “multiculturalism”, but accessibility lacks even in the developed and highly condensed big smoke, Ginnis says.
“Whereas physical disability and accessibility is kind of already complied… When it comes to intellectual, non-verbal and cognitive [disabilities], [accessibility] is still very much neglected.”
Ginnis witnessed this lack of accessibility as Michelle’s carer first-hand.
“So I said to myself, ‘When I study interior architecture, I want to make a difference for people who are nonverbal’ because space doesn’t cater for them and their needs.”
“I’ve become so empathetic to this nonverbal communication that, to me, it’s almost a second language.”
Ilianna’s projects ‘Neural Sensorium’ (left) and ‘Stigmi’ (right)
Ginnis says she derives most of this empathy from her Greek heritage.
“Greeks are very empathetic and human-centered naturally,” she says.
“Because I can speak Greek as well, that’s also a benefit when I step in Greek homes with children with disabilities and adults who are non-verbal. When I apply that the families really appreciate it.”
She’s currently studying for her doctorate degree in philosophy at Monash. You can find more of Ginnis’ works here.
People lined up outside Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar in Yarraville on Thursday afternoon as Anatoli and Eleftheria Amanatidis handed out free family dinner packs of roasted chicken with lemon potatoes.
Despite losing 80 percent of their revenue due to the current lockdown in Melbourne, the Greek sisters have been distributing a variety of free food over the last four weeks to those in need. This includes their famous pastitio and chicken souvlakia.
Eleftheria tells The Greek Herald this initiative was launched as a way to give back to the Yarraville community, which has supported the sisters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Right now, we don’t really see the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s very daunting and very hard times for everyone, not just for small businesses but a lot of people who may have lost their jobs or they’re getting less income now,” Eleftheria says.
“So it’s not just to try and brighten their mood or even their day for that moment when they come and collect something, but it’s also to show our support to our customers and any new customers during the lockdown that have been supporting us.”
Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar. Photo supplied.
Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar opened in Yarraville about four years ago after the sisters decided they wanted to open a Greek restaurant to “share our Greek experience and our culture and our food to everyone else.”
They also had a strong historical connection to the Melbourne suburb as their grandparents, Eleni, who the restaurant is named after, and Dimitri, owned the first Greek restaurant in Yarraville, their great grandfather was the founding priest of the local Greek Orthodox church, and other relatives also had businesses in the area.
“I guess opening here is just like coming back to our roots and connecting to that history,” Eleftheria says.
This strong connection to the area and community is another reason why the Greek sisters decided to stay open during the lockdown and continue helping out whoever they can.
“We get alot of people that say, ‘thank you for staying open because your food is helping me get through the lockdown’,” Eleftheria says.
“And that’s something I myself have noticed. You don’t really pay much attention to it but food plays such a big part in how we feel as well and you know, everyone’s got their own comfort food and things like that but it’s a good feeling… I’m actually helping these people.”
