Former star athlete and current MP, Sofia Sakorafa, became the first woman to head the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), Greece’s oldest sports federation, following an online vote on Wednesday.
SEGAS was founded in 1897 to represent all sports, before they split off to form federations of their own and currently focuses on track and field sports.
Sakorafa was born in 1957 in Trikala and has held multiple records and awards in national and international javelin events. In 1982, she achieved a world record throwing the javelin 74.20m, a record she maintained to 1983.
Former star athlete and current MP, Sofia Sakorafa, has become the first woman to head the Hellenic Athletics Federation.
She holds 17 national records, improving her previous records by over 30m. In international meets, she gained bronze in the European games of Athens (1982), gold in the Split games (1979) and bronze in the Latakia games (1987).
She graduated from the then-National Academy of Physical Training in Thessaloniki and after leaving the sports arena became a politician.
She was elected in Parliament for the first time with PASOK in Athens (2007) and was expelled by the party in 2010 after refusing to vote for the first bailout. She has served as MP and MEP with Syriza, and as of 2019, serves as MP of MeRA25.
Turkish fighter jets flew over two Greeks islands and violated Greek airspace on Wednesday, while on the ground, Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, was holding a meeting with Turkey’s Ambassador to Athens, Burak Ozugergin.
According to a statement by the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA), a pair of Turkish F-16 fighter jets flew over the Makronisi and Anthropofagoi islets in the eastern Aegean. The overflight was at 11.29 am at an altitude of 20,500 feet. A minute later, a separate pair of F-16s flew over the same islets at 13,500 feet.
This came as Dendias met with Ozugergin to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments ahead of the Greek minister’s likely visit to Turkey on April 14, the state-run Athens-Macedonia news agency reported.
Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, met with Turkey’s Ambassador to Athens, Burak Ozugergin, on Wednesday.
Diplomatic sources said Dendias reiterated Athens’ call that Ankara refrain from provocations that risk escalating tensions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ankara on Tuesday accused Athens of violating the rights of its Muslim minority, which it calls “Turkish,” and of pursuing policies directed against Turkey, saying Greece should instead “abide by international law.”
Dendias said statements of this sort do not help consolidate a constructive climate between the two Aegean neighbors, the same sources said.
April Fools’ Day — on April 1 each year — has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures. Traditions include playing hoaxes or practical jokes on others, often yelling “April Fools!” at the end to clue in the subject of the April Fools’ Day prank.
While its exact history and origins are shrouded in mystery, the embrace of April Fools’ Day jokes by the media and major brands has ensured the unofficial holiday’s long life.
Origins of April Fools Day:
There are two scenarios regarding the origins of April Fools’ Day. One version says the tradition originates with the Celts. The Celtic fishing season begun on April 1st but during that period, there were not that many fish, leading the fishermen to lie about the amount of fish that they caught.
Another, more historically acceptable version regarding the origins of April Fools day, dates back to 1582 when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. This switch meant New Year’s would be celebrated on January 1st instead of April 1st. The people of France were divided in two – with some opposing the change and continuing with the celebration on April 1st, while others accepted the change but continued to send New Year’s presents on April 1st as a tease.
April Fools Day in Greece:
Since Greece belongs to Europe, the April Fools tradition spread throughout the country as well, with a slightly different version.
The basic idea was that Greeks started telling small, innocent lies on April 1st, thinking that whoever manages to trick the “victim,” will have luck along his/her side for the rest of the year.
In other parts, it is believed that the person who plays the trick, will have good crops.
In addition, if it rains on April Fools’ Day, in some parts in Greece, the water is believed to have healing powers.
In just 1 hour and 9 minutes, Greek tennis player, Maria Sakkari, crushed her Japanese opponent, Naomi Osaka, 2-0 sets in the quarter final of the Miami Open.
Sakkari won the first set 6-0 over Osaka in a little over 20 minutes, after playing a decisive and aggressive game.
In the second set, Osaka came in determined to win and managed to lead with 3-0. But Sakkari had the last word.
With fighting spirit, she managed to turn the situation around, matching Osaka at 4-4, until she took the next two games and cruised through to the Miami Open semi final at 6-0, 6-4.
Sakkari’s win means Osaka’s 23-match winning streak is over.
In the semifinals, the Greek champion will face the winner of the last quarterfinal, between Bianca Andreescu and Sara Sorribes Tormo.
Spartans were famous for producing strong and powerful soldiers. But what do we actually know about the women of ancient Sparta? Without a doubt, Spartan women were the most educated, athletic and outspoken progressive individuals of the Ancient Greek world.
1. They were educated:
Providing education for women was not important for most Ancient Greek cities. Primarily, a woman’s role for example, in Democratic Athens, was to take care of children and the housework. In Sparta, girls were started their education around the same age as boys (between 6-7 years of age). The education system was concentrated on military preparation and girls had a similar education. They also received physical education, which combined wrestling, gymnastics and combat skills. A healthy physical appearance was important because Spartans believed that only a healthy woman could produce healthy babies. This goes back in Greek history when a Spartan Queen named Gorgo, wife of the famous King Leonidas was asked by Athenian woman, “why do only Spartan women rule their men?” . Her answer to that question was, “because we are the only women who give birth to real men!”
2. They could own land:
Women in Sparta, contrary to those from Athens, could own property in their own names. Even according to famous Greek Philosopher Aristotle, two-fifths of the land in Sparta was owned by women. It’s unbelievable to think that they were so free and independent, where in most Greek cities, women were the property of their husbands. But how could they own a property? Spartan women did this through inheritance or from their dowries. Typically, the land was left to the owner’s children after his death, with daughters inheriting half of what sons got. Of course, the law on selling land extended to both men and women. But also Because of the Spartan culture’s structure, Spartan women were the household rulers. Men spent the majority of their lives in the agoge, barracks, and eventually at war. They’d return to their house, which was run by their wife or surviving children if they were lucky enough to live long enough to retire at the age of 40.
3. They could dress boldly:
Sparta was the only city-state that allowed women to exercise and train. And because of that, the clothes were more daring than from other cities. The dresses were shorter than normal ones, showing more flesh. This was accepted by society since women and men were expected to be fit and healthy-looking.
4. The greatest honour was to die during childbirth:
In Ancient Sparta, the only way for men to receive a gravestone was by dying in battle. Similarly, for women dying during childbirth was one of the greatest honours. It was seen as a duty for Spartan society and that is why women who died during childbirth could have a gravestone with their name on it.
5. They were married at an older age than Athenians:
Girls in Sparta did not have to marry until they were eighteen years old. Men usually married in thier mid-twenties or thirties. The age difference between husbands and wives was smaller compared to Athenians and girls in Sparta married significatly later than their sisters in Athens.
6. Spartan women competed in the Olympic Games:
This was very important for Ancient Greek society, as women were not allowed to step foot into the sacred place where the Olympic Games occured. Women would even face a death penalt if they were seen as spectators inside the stadiums. Despite this, the first ever female Olympian winner was Spartan! Her name was Kyniska or Cyniska, she was the daughter of King Archidamus II. She was only allowed to step into the sacred Olympic grounds as a horse trainer. There was a large property where she bred, kept, and trained horses, and in 396 BCE, when she was approximately between 40 and 50 years old, she became the first woman to compete in the Olympic Games. Her triumph had a major influence on ancient Greek culture. Following Cynsica’s achievement, other female athletes wanted to get in on the Olympic action. This included fellow Spartan Euryleonis, who won the two-horse chariot race in 368 BC.
7. They had to give away their sons at the age of 7:
At the age of 7, Spartan boys were taken from their parents’ house to start their military education “agoge”. As Spartan community was design to shape professional soldiers, the education needed to start at a young age. For a Spartan mother was the biggest pride was to raise a strong and brave soldier. According to Plutarch, one woman gave her son a shield and told him to come home “either with it or on it” before a battle.
The world knows Sparta for its men and soldiers, but without the women, Sparta would not have existed.
Last week was one of celebrations and commemorative events for the students of All Saints Grammar, St Spyridon College and St Euphemia College in Sydney, who strive to keep the Greek culture and history alive through traditional dances, poems and performances.
All Saints College
A school concert was held at All Saints College on Friday 26 March to mark the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution.
Through songs, music, dance and audiovisual media the school kids did a historical account of the events of the revolution and parents watched from home or work, as the production was live streamed.
Opening the event, Head of School, Mrs Elfa Lillis said that the school’s purpose is to “preserve and communicate the values of our cultural heritage and faith.”
“We mark this momentous occasion, the Revolution of 1821, and the feast of the Annunciation by coming together, to remember, to reflect on our history, and to give thanks for the hope for the future forged by the struggles of our ancestors,” Mrs Lillis said.
Official speeches were also given by His Grace Bishop Emilianos of Meloa, Sophie Cotsis MP, Consul General of Greece in Sydney Christos Karras, Mayor of the City of Canterbury-Bankstown Khal Asfour.
St Spyridon College
*Written byAnna Gambierakis, Coordinator of Modern Greek at St Spyridon, Junior School
This year marks the 200-year anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821 and the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire which led to the establishment of the Modern Greek state. This historical event was not only of immense significance to the Greek people, but was also a key historical event in world history as the Hellenes were the first people to achieve full independence from the Ottoman Empire as a result of their 9-year struggle.
Through our programmed units of work, our young students (K-6) are exploring the concept of Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος. Our Kindergarten students have been introduced by learning about Κρυφό Σχολειό, reciting Φεγγαράκι μου λαμπρό.
Year 1 is looking at the symbolism of the Greek flag and the heroism, glory and beauty of Greece through the reciting of the poem Η Ελλάδα στην καρδιά μου, and through looking at and dressing in the National costume of tσολιά και αμαλία. Through digital paintings and short texts, the students of Years 2 – 6 have been learning about the bravery and determination of heroes and heroines of the Greek Revolution of 1821. The λάβαρα another area of interest and symbolism.
Students in Years 5 and 6 exmaining Rigas Velestinlis’ or Pheraios’ War Song (Thourios) which inspired countless Hellenes in their struggle for liberation. Years 5 & 6 writing their own poetry based on this study. Year 6 students have been exploring the tragic events surrounding την Έξοδο του Μεσολογγίου through the theatrical play and poem Ένας Μεσολογγίτης.
Our young students have been enthusiastically participated and recognise the relevance and significance of the sacrifices of the Hellenes, as well as the contribution and support of Philhellenes worldwide. This old, strange, far away world of Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος has now been unlocked for our students who are beginning to discover the value and beauty of being a Greek Australian descendent of brave Orthodox Hellenes who were the first to manage to completely shake off Ottoman rule.
St Euphemia College
On Thursday, March 25, a number of the students from St Euphemia College represented the school at the official celebration of the bicentennial of Greek Independence Day at the Sydney Opera House.
This was followed by an appearance at Martin Place in Sydney, where students laid a wreath at the cenotaph to pay their respects to the heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the Greek Revolution.
On Tuesday, March 30, students also participated in a special assembly to commemorate the Greek ancestors who fought for Greece’s freedom and independence.
Students recited poetry, sang songs, danced and presented a historical presentation of the events that took place.
At the conclusion of the assembly, the students gathered in the playground, dancing and proudly waving their blue and white flags.
A tireless advocate for migrant workers through his work in the trade union movement, a pioneer of multicultural broadcasting in Victoria and long standing member of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, George Zangalis passed away on Thursday, 25 March, ahead of a tribute to his life being planned for his 90th birthday in April.
With a statement, the Greek Community of Melbourne encourages the wider community to come together and honour his memory.
“It was with deep sadness that we learnt of the passing of a valued and long standing member of our organisation, George Zangalis.
George was one of the major proponents and advocates of multiculturalism in Australia , as well as a fierce campaigner for social justice and workers rights,” reads the statement.
“The Community in conjunction with the Rail,Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and numerous other community organisations will be celebrating George’s life of activism on Sunday the 25th of April 2021, 2.30 pm at the Andrianakos Centre, Alphington Grammar.
We are looking forward to our members and the broader community coming together to reflect and honour George’s remarkable Contribution.”
Who was George Zangalis?
Born in Greece in 1931, George was the fourth in a family of five children. He grew up during the Resistance of the Greek people against the German occupation and the post-World War 2 Greek civil war.
After arriving in Australia in February 1950, aged 18, he became immediately involved in the working class and progressive organisations in the Greek community, the wider Australian labour movement, and the fledgling multicultural campaigns. His commitment to these causes continued throughout his lifetime
George pioneered Ethnic Community Broadcasting, serving on the ABC State and National Advisory Councils and the SBS Board in the early 1980s. He is a former President of Melbourne’s ethnic community radio station 3ZZZ and a former President of the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council of Australia.
George was one of ECCV’s founders and served on the Board several times over its 47-year history. He was also a leading contributor to the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia’s support for migrant rights.
His involvement in numerous political, industrial and other campaigns is outlined in his 2009 book, Migrant Workers and Ethnic Communities. Their Struggles for Social Justice and Cultural Rights. The Role of Greek-Australians.
With a Gala Evening held at the Olympic Hall in Adelaide last Friday, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOSCA) kicked off this year’s celebrations for the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution.
In attendance were a number of dignitaries among them federal and state politicians, the Consul General of Greece to Australia George Psiachas, representatives of Greek Associations and members of the community.
Apart from the Greek Independence bicentenary the event was also dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA, which was to be celebrated last year, but was due to the pandemic.
Addressing the attendees Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni, representing the SA Premier, referred to the successful outcome of the Revolution saying that Greeks inspired other countries in Europe to fight for their independence.
“Greek immigrants have had a similar effect to Australia, as they have shown how one can progress and succeed,” he said.
In his speech, GOCSA’s President Vassilis Gonis said that the Community is moving forward following the heroic deeds derived from Greek history.
“By keeping in our memories those who fought and by honouring the Great Struggle, we are confident that wherever on the globe we may be, their legacy remains alive with us,” Mr Gonis said.
The President’s speech was followed by a video message from Greece’s president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who emphasized that the Greeks of the Diaspora were the ones who contributed significantly to the awakening of the Greek national consciousness before the outbreak of the Revolution.
The Consul General said that “”Hellenism, even if enslaved or in the diaspora, has always managed to keep alive the flame of its national consciousness, language and culture.”
The cultural part of the event consisted of traditional dances performed by students of the Community’s Dance Academy.
The list of attendees includes: the Assistant Minister to the Premier of South Australia Jing Lee, Labor MLC Irene Pnevmatikos representing Leader of the Opposition Peter Malinauskas, SA-Best MLC Connie Bonaros, Labor MP Tom Koutsantonis, Federal member for Adelaide Steve Georganas, Lord mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor and Deputy Lord Mayor Mary Couros, Councillor of City of Mitcham and SAMEAC member Andriana Christopoulos and Charles Sturt Councillor Pavlos Alexandridis.
On Sunday, March 28th a memorial service followed by a wreath laying ceremony took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel with an extensive list of dignitaries among them Greek Australian politicians.
Sunday’s event concluded with students of the Community’s afternoon schools dressed in traditional costumes, reciting poems and singing traditional songs.
Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas took one step closer to a first ATP Masters 1000 title on Tuesday after battling past Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 7-6(2) to reach his first quarter-final at the Miami Open presented by Itau.
Tsitsipas fired 20 winners and didn’t face a break point across one hour and 31 minutes against the 24th seeded Italian.
“I’m playing well, feeling well, and enjoying these moments on the court,” Tsitsipas said in an on-court interview. “I’m thrilled to be playing the way I’m playing. I’m having a great impact with my game so far this week, so it’s important for me to capitalise [on] that.
“Each single opponent has been a separate challenge, and I’ve been managing to find solutions against them. It’s important for me to have matches like this.”
Tsitsipas will face 24-year-old Hubert Hurkacz in the next round, after the 26th seed won a nail-biter against Milos Raonic that came down to the wire on Court 1. The Delray Beach Open by Vitacost.com champion came back from a set down and edged through a third-set tie-break to win 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4).
On Friday the 26th of March, the ‘Liberal Friends of Greece’ was formally launched by the Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Barbouttis Martin MP in presence of the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras and other distinguished guests.
Dr Martin hailed the event as a huge success.
“I am extremely grateful for everyone who could come along, it was a wonderful evening,” she said.
“Plato once said, ‘courage is knowing what not to fear.’ The Greeks who have migrated to Australia put aside fear, showing immense courage leaving their homes in search of a better life. Without the Greek community, Australian society wouldn’t be what it is today.”
There are nearly 400,000 people of Greek ancestry currently living in Australia, and just under 94,000 who were born in Greece now living here. This makes Australia home to one of the largest Greek communities in the world and makes Greeks the seventh largest ethnic group in Australia.
Who is Dr. Fiona Martin MP?
Dr Fiona Barbouttis Martin MP, a Sydney Greek Australian of Castellorizian heritage, is an Australian Liberal Party politician who was elected as Member of Parliament for Reid at the 2019 federal election.
Dr Martin, is a mum, psychologist and former small businesswoman, who has spent her life working to better the lives of people, supporting some of the most vulnerable children in our community. Her work has helped to treat a wide range of learning, developmental and behavioural difficulties that children experience.
Her father, George Barbouttis, was a professional soccer player and played for a number of clubs in Sydney, including Sydney Croatia and Panhellenic, as well as for a couple of clubs in Greece. He was selected for the Australian National team, but never played a representative game because of injuries.
“My dad was a coach for most of my childhood, so I spent many afternoons and evenings watching community sport, and the teamwork and collaboration that comes with it. I think that has had a strong influence on me today,” Dr Martin said in a previous interview with The Greek Herald.
