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Greek Australians named in Pararoos squad for IFCPF World Cup 2024

CommBank Pararoos’ Head Coach Kai Lammert and CommBank ParaMatildas’ Head Coach Kelly Stirton have confirmed their squads to compete at the IFCPF World Cup 2024 in Salou, Spain.

Lammert has selected a 14-player squad which includes two possible Pararoos’ debutants as well as the team’s iconic 45-year old captain David Barber (Football QLD) – impressively entering his 26th year playing international football – and CommBank Pararoos favourite Ben Roche (NNSW Football), who will come out of retirement to add valuable experience and depth to the squad, which features eight players with 10 or fewer caps.

Giacomo Izzo (Football West) and William McGrath (Football NSW) are in-line to make their Pararoos’ debuts, while Rafferty Bacon (Football West), Christian Bitsikas (Football VIC), Luc Launder (Capital Football) and Kaylan Van Heer (Football VIC) are among the possible World Cup debutants.

Running from 6 – 24 November, the CommBank Pararoos will be striving to finish in the single digits against the world’s best for the first time, having finished 12th (2015), 10th (2017), 11th (2019) and 11th (2022) at their last four World Cup appearances.

Drawn in Group C, the CommBank Pararoos – contesting their 11th World Cup – will play their first match of the IFCPF World Cup against the USA on Monday, 11 November at 7.30pm AEDT (9.30am CET) before facing Thailand on Wednesday, 13 November at 10.00pm AEDT (12.00pm CET) and the Netherlands on Friday, 15 November at 7.30pm AEDT (9.30am CET). Men’s tournament fixtures and results can be found HERE.

CommBank Pararoos’ Head Coach Kai Lammert spoke about the squad’s composition and outlined his goal for the tournament.

“We’ve held four productive training camps this year, as well as the Para Nationals in Canberra, all to prepare for us for the challenges that lie ahead over the next three weeks,” Lammert explained.

“I’m grateful for the leadership and experience Benny (Roche) will bring to the squad after agreeing to come out of retirement to have one last shot at the World Cup. Benny knows David (Barber) extremely well, and the pair complement our young players and bring balance to the squad.

“We haven’t faced the Netherlands for over a decade, and I know we have improved immensely since then. There are no easy games when you’re playing in a World Cup, and I expect the boys will be very excited to hit the pitch in Spain.

“Our target at the World Cup is to finish in the single digits, outperforming our current international ranking of 10 to set a new standard for men’s CP football in Australia,” Lammert concluded.

Stirton’s 10-player CommBank Para Matildas’ squad consists of a mix of experience and youth with seasoned campaigners Rae Anderson (NNSW Football), Georgia Beikhoff (Football NSW) and Elosie Northam (Football NSW) leading the side.

Rebecca Jones (Capital Football) and Trinity McPhie (Football QLD) could make their ParaMatildas’ debut on the world stage, while Annmarie De Uriarte (Football NSW) and Carly Salmon (Capital Football) will be motivated to make their World Cup debuts.

In their first IFCPF World Cup appearance in 2022 – which was also the year the team was formed by Football Australia – the CommBank ParaMatildas progressed to the Gold Medal match before narrowly falling to the USA in extra-time. Following their triumph at the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Women’s Championships in 2023, the CommBank ParaMatildas will be determined to claim top honours.

Set to run from 11 – 20 November, the CommBank ParaMatildas will kick-start their campaign at the IFCPF World Cup against Japan on Friday, 15 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET), before coming up against the USA on Sunday, 17 November at 12.30pm (2.30pm CET), Ireland on Monday, 18 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET) and Denmark on Tuesday, 19 November at 12.30pm AEDT (2.30pm CET). Women’s tournament fixtures and results can be found HERE.

CommBank ParaMatildas’ Head Coach Kelly Stirton expressed her excitement to witness what the squad will accomplish in Spain.

“This is what we have been building for since the Para Asian Cup in Melbourne last year and the players and staff cannot wait to showcase the progress and development made in that time,” Stirton said.

“The disappointment of losing the final at the last World Cup to USA in extra time is fueling our desire to go one better and prove we’re the best women’s CP Football team in the world.

“Our squad contains plenty of firepower, speed and agility making us a dynamic team on the field but we’re also fortunate to have a composed and positive team off the field.

“We are heading to Spain to play for each other and our country.  This team has shown me that obstacles put in front of them can be overcome by working together as a team and I can’t wait to see what they’re able to achieve in Spain,” Stirton concluded.

All CommBank Pararoos and ParaMatildas matches at the IFCPF World Cup 2024 will be streamed live and free on Football Australia’s YouTube Channel HERE.

COMMBANK PARAROOS IFCPF WORLD CUP 2024 SQUAD

NAMEMEMBER FEDERATIONCAPS (Goals)
Rafferty BACONFootball West1* (0)
David BARBER (Cpt)Football QLD111 (70)
Christian BITSIKASFootball VIC2 (1)*
Jeremy BOYCEFootball NSW10 (1)
Daniel CAMPBELLNNSW Football24 (8)
Giacomo IZZOFootball West0*
Luc LAUNDERCapital Football5 (1)*
Alessandro LA VERGHETTAFootball West17 (2)
Taj LYNCHFootball NSW21 (1)
William MCGRATHFootball NSW0*
Augustine MURPHYFootball NSW19 (2)
Ben ROCHENNSW Football65 (35)
Christian TSANGASFootball VIC6 (0)
Kaylan VAN HEERFootball VIC6 (2)*

*Denotes potential IFCPF World Cup match debutant

Follow the journey of the CommBank Pararoos at the IFCPF Men’s World Cup 2024 through their website and on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

IFCPF Men’s World Cup 2024

When: November 6-24, 2024

Where: Salou, Spain

COMMBANK PARAMATILDAS IFCPF WORLD CUP 2024 SQUAD

NAMEMEMBER FEDERATIONCAPS (Goals)
Rae ANDERSONNNSW Football9 (0)
Georgia BEIKOFFFootball NSW12 (22)
Tahlia BLANSHARDNNSW Football11 (1)
Annmarie DE URIARTEFootball NSW7 (11)*
Lainee HARRISONNNSW Football5 (5)
Rebecca JONESCapital Football0*
Eloise NORTHAMFootball NSW12 (9)
Trinity MCPHIEFootball QLD0*
Carly SALMON (Co-Cpt)Capital Football7 (4)*
Katelyn SMITH (Co-Cpt)Football West10 (5)

*Denotes potential IFCPF World Cup match debutant

Follow the CommBank ParaMatildas journey at the IFCPF Women’s World Cup 2024 through their website and on FacebookInstagram and Twitter

IFCPF Women’s World Cup 2024

When: November 11-20, 2024

Where: Salou, Spain

Odyssey Festival brings magic of a Greek paniyiri into the Adelaide CBD

On Saturday, November 2, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA) Dance Academy, in collaboration with Neolea, the youth wing of GOCSA, hosted the inaugural Grattan Street Paniyiri – marking the close of the 17th annual Odyssey Festival. 

Nestled between the GOCSA Olympic Hall and the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the event was a culmination of months of preparation, bringing the spirit of a traditional paniyiri into the heart of the Adelaide CBD. 

Throughout the night, attendees embraced the sounds of traditional Greek music by an interstate ensemble, creating a lively atmosphere for the festivities. Market stalls showcased a variety of local businesses, offering both Greek-inspired goods and other unique products, while the Ladies Philoptochos delighted everyone with freshly prepared loukoumades. 

The event radiated the core values of filotimo – a profound sense of hospitality and generosity – and kefi, the spirit of joyous and energetic celebration.

Long tables stretched across the grounds, inviting guests to gather, share food, and connect in a communal atmosphere. The air was alive with happiness, music, and dance, as everyone embraced the spirit of fellowship and festivity that defines a traditional Greek paniyiri.

Honouring the legacy of the community 

The official opening began with an address by Peter Gonis, Vice President of GOCSA, who paid tribute to the history and legacy of the Community. He recounted the journey of early Greek migrants, arriving in Adelaide in the 1920s seeking a sense of belonging and stability. In 1936, the Greek community pooled their resources to purchase the land that would become the site of the Cathedral of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, marking the beginning of a legacy of faith and community togetherness.

“…Our paniyiri celebrates the Greek community’s existence in South Australia for over 100 years. It is a tribute to the migrant story, a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the pursuit of a better life…” Mr Gonis said.

“It is also an opportunity to celebrate our next generation, our Neolea… [who are] ready to step up and take the reins, embracing their heritage and following in the footsteps of the yiayiathes [grandmothers] and pappouthes [grandfathers].” 

A culmination of art, music, and tradition

Hellas Lucas, chair of GOCSA Cultural Committee, added that the Grattan Street Paniyiri was the Odyssey Festival’s grand finale, following a month of cultural events that celebrated Greek heritage through art exhibitions, thought-provoking lectures and a nostalgic concert dedicated to Laiki music from the 1960s and 70s. 

The Hon. Mira Dannawi MLC, representing the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, congratulated GOCSA for their efforts over the entire month of the Odyssey Festival. 

The Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Dr Jane Lomax Smith, addressing GOCSA, stated that: “This is another splendid evening… to be in our streets, to be on this plot of land, having this amazing festival. What a joy it is for all of us.”

“I have to say a couple of things about GOCSA and the community in the city. [GOCSA] belongs here, it’s embedded here, and it’s made the city great,” the Lord Mayor added.

“The members of the Community are so significant to us because they have held together the newcomers and the new arrivals that arrived into the community… [maintaining] their religion, culture and community. They have instilled the value of hard work and enterprise that makes a city great… I hope this [festival] comes back every year… so we can enjoy this festival spirit.”

Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in South Australia, described the event as a “cultural shock” in making her think that “I am in Greece right now.” 

“Congratulations for bringing the Greek spirit here and [I will] tell Athens [how] amazing this is,” the Consul General added.

The beginning of an annual celebration 

Following the official opening, the intermediate and advanced group of the GOCSA Dance Academy performed a series of folk dances from around Greece. This energetic display encouraged festival goers to participate in Greek dancing late into the night, fostering a sense of unity as attendees of all backgrounds joined to embrace Greek culture.

Despite being over 14,000 kilometres away from Greece, the soul of the paniyiri was alive in the Adelaide CBD. The Grattan Street Paniyiri was a testament to the enduring presence of Greek culture and community in Adelaide and represents a bridge to the expression of Greek culture for future generations. 

The success of this inaugural event suggests that it may well become a cherished annual tradition, inviting all of Adelaide to experience the magic of a Greek paniyiri.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.

Canberra Greeks come together to celebrate Hellenism for OXI Day

On Sunday, November 3, Greeks from Canberra and its surrounds came together for a belated celebration of OXI Day.

The commemorative event commenced with a Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, presided over by Father Petros and Father Platonas. The church was filled with proud parents and many special guests.

The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, gave a speech after the liturgy on the significance of OXI Day.

“Today, we honour those who fought, defending fundamental and timeless values of Hellenism, such as democracy, freedom, independence and justice,” Mr Venizelos said. 

“We remember our many heroes and never forget their sacrifice.”

Students of the Greek School of Canberra later stood at the front of the church and recited poems and performed the song Pirame T’ Argyrokastro by Marinella, to mark the significant day in Greek history. 

Following the liturgy, everyone was then invited to attend the Hellenic War Memorial where the annual wreath laying ceremony and a minute’s silence took place. There were also a number of speeches.

Many special guests were in attendance including Ambassador Venizelos; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; Captain Gary Zervos RAN, on behalf of the Australian Defence Force; Captain Dimitrios Limberidis, on behalf of the Hellenic Navy; the Secretary of the Hellenic Sub-Branch RSL Melbourne, Major Terry Kanellos (RETD) OAM; the President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC), Pana Tsironis; the President of the Hellenic Club of Canberra, Steve Kartsonas; John Loukadellis; new military attache in Canberra, Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos and many more.

Representatives from the Hellenic RSL Sub-Branch, AHEPA, the Hellenic Youth Club, and associations such as the Cypriots, Karpathians, Lemnians, Pontians, and Cretans were also in attendance.

Major Kanellos expressed how it felt to celebrate alongside so many young people in the Canberra Greek community.

“It’s really good to see that the young people here are still maintaining those links with their mother country and are interested in learning about the history with the songs that they sing and the poems that they recite,” Mr Kanellos said.

“Hopefully all these things mean something to them, so that when they grow up, they pass them on to their kids as well.”

President of the GOCCC, Mr Tsironis also conveyed his pride and appreciation for the local Greek community.

“I feel honoured and blessed to be a part of the community and to put on such an event for everyone to enjoy and be a part of,” Mr Tsironis told The Greek Herald.

“The 28th of October is all about Hellenism. It’s about our freedom, it’s about our courage, it’s about our endurance, and it’s about us doing the right thing.

“We are a small but tight knit community, and it’s important for us to remember our past and what assisted in getting us here today.”

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Evelyn Karatzas.

Sydney man Matthew Palavidis faces charges of sexual touching and common assault

A “VIP” diner and regular visitor to an exclusive Sydney restaurant has been accused of attempting to undo a waitress’s corset while she served him caviar and vodka shots during lunch.

Matthew Palavidis, 63, managing director of Acoustic Logic Consultancy, appeared at Waverley Local Court on Thursday, October 31 for a hearing regarding the allegations.

The Darling Point resident has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually touching another person without consent and common assault.

The accusations stem from a busy lunch service last year when Palavidis and two friends dined at a venue known for attracting celebrity clientele, which has not been named for legal reasons.

Around 1pm on the day in question, Palavidis allegedly tried to undo the waitress’s corset-style top as she served his table “bumps of caviar with vodka shots.” The court heard that the waitress was wearing a white corset-style top secured with “zigzag like strings” tied in a bow at her chest.

Acoustic Logic Consultancy managing director Matthew Palavidis. Photo: LinkedIn.

It is claimed that Palavidis, using his finger and thumb, “pulled the strings” of the corset in an attempt to undo it. During her testimony, the waitress was asked if she had confused Palavidis with the “70 to 130” other guests she served that day.

“That is the man who assaulted me,” she told the court, identifying Palavidis. She further noted that he had been “flagged” by venue management as a “very important” and “frequent” guest prior to this incident.

CCTV footage presented in court showed the alleged victim serving Palavidis, but did not capture the alleged touching.

“When you watch the CCTV, there is no offence,” defence solicitor Paul McGirr argued in court.

McGirr also expressed concerns about the police handling of the case, which had been transferred between three officers, resulting in a significant delay between the alleged incident and the charges being filed.

He questioned why the constable currently handling the case had not sought additional witnesses, describing it as “an oversight.”

Magistrate Michael Barko referred to the matter as “very tricky,” stating that the court must consider “whether pulling strings on a top is considered sexual touching.”

In a statement to this publication, McGirr mentioned that further evidence is available and expressed confidence it would exonerate Palavidis.

“We can’t say much except fortunately there is footage available, not only from the restaurant but from one of my client’s friends and witnesses, which we are confident will prove my client didn’t do anything as alleged,” he said.

The hearing has been adjourned until May 2 of 2025.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Greek pride on display as thousands enjoy Oakleigh Glendi

Greek pride filled the air on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 as a vibrant parade of students marched through Eaton Mall to Warrawee Park, commemorating the historic ‘OXI’ day of October 28, 1940. The streets echoed with cheers of “Zito!” as onlookers lined the route and snap-happy parents captured the moment on camera. 

The event culminated in a grand celebration at Warrawee Park, drawing thousands of Melburnians to the annual Oakleigh Glendi.

Outgoing Greek Consul General to Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, aptly observed, “You can take the Greek from Greece, but you can’t take Greece out of the Greek.” He emphasised the enduring significance of Greece’s resounding “no” throughout history, highlighting the nation’s resilience and resistance, from antiquity to World War II. 

“Our nation has often found peace in saying ‘yes,’ but glory in its ‘no’,” the Consul General added, referencing iconic figures like Spartan king Leonidas at the Battle of Thermopylae, Byzantine Emperor Constantine Paleologos, and 1821 revolutionary Papaflessas. 

As he prepares to assume the role of Greek Ambassador to Syria, Mr Kakavelakis urged the community to maintain unity and build upon the legacy of early Greek migrants to Australia, while also commending the multicultural fabric of Australia.

This spirit of multiculturalism was evident when Liberal opposition leader John Pesutto took the stage. Despite his Italian heritage, he paid tribute to the bravery of the Greek people who defied Italian demands during WWII. 

“Many of you have photos on the wall of great-grandfathers and grandmothers who died fighting to restore the freedoms and equality of the Greek people when fascism beckoned,” he said. “Today, we commemorate that bravery, and I can say this, my friends, as someone of Calabrese stock. I come from the Greek part of Italy.”

Federal Member for Oakleigh, Clare O’Neil, attended the event with her son Elvis. 

“We live in Oakleigh, my children go to school here. This is our community, and we are so privileged to enjoy the heart of Greek Melbourne,” she told The Greek Herald. “The Greek community is incredibly generous in sharing their culture, and ‘OXI’ Day is something I want my children to understand. I want them to understand the importance of standing up for democracy, bravery, and fighting fascism. That’s why I bought my son with me.”

Victorian Member for Oakleigh, Steve Dimopoulos, highlighted the state government’s annual $100,000 contribution to the festival, recognising the significant role of the Greek community in shaping Oakleigh. 

Jim Lazogas of Lazogas Real Estate, a long-time local business, noted the festival’s growing popularity and its impact on the surrounding neighbourhoods. 

“My real estate agency was here before Oakleigh became this Greek neighbourhood, and in recent years, this festival has grown. People come from around Melbourne. It’s amazing,” he said. 

His views were echoed by Roula Krikellis, who emceed on Saturday. 

“It was the first time an international singer like Kostas Karafotis was brought to the festival, and a sea of people came to hear him sing. Everyone was dancing. What a vibe!” she said. 

The festival offered a diverse range of activities, from live music and traditional dance performances to culinary delights and cultural exhibits. 

George Dardamanis of Melvourni, organic coffee makers, couldn’t keep up with the crowds. “Greek Melburnians still prefer frappe but freddo is catching up,” he told The Greek Herald, recommending coffee flavours like tsoureki, hot cross buns, gingerbread and gold leaf for vasilopita cutting. 

Chef George Calombaris showcased traditional Greek recipes, while local author Ruth Bardis shared her passion for preserving Greek culinary heritage through her cookbooks.

The event brought together people of all ages, from young students to elderly community members. The shared sense of pride and connection to Greek culture was palpable throughout the day with dancing troupes, students singing, poetry. Crowds mingled with Lee Tarlamis MP, David Davis MP, Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson, Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, and Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh President Chris Damatopoulos, who emceed the second day of festivities. 

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.

Paul Nicolaou calls for houses to replace horses at Rosehill Racecourse

Leading business figures are intensifying their calls for the replacement of horse racing with residential development at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney, following a disappointing turnout for one of Australia’s premier racing events.

Only 10,493 spectators attended the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill on Saturday, November 2, a stark contrast to the over 49,000 who filled the stands at a sold-out Royal Randwick just two weeks earlier for The Everest.

In light of the low attendance figures, the Australian Turf Club (ATC) is currently engaging with the NSW Government on a proposal to redevelop the Rosehill racecourse precinct into a mini-city, complete with a Metro station. This ambitious plan aims to inject billions of dollars into the racing industry and revitalise the area.

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou endorsed the Rosehill redevelopment, declaring it offers an opportunity “that instantly stands out as one that should be embraced wholeheartedly.”

“A thriving racing industry is important to Sydney, important to NSW, and this proposal could see them secure their financial future while creating new assets and investing into other existing facilities,” he added.

“Rosehill has been much loved but the crowd on Saturday compared to the fans who attended The Everest at Randwick? That has to tell you something.”

Mr Nicolaou added that “Rosehill will also help to deliver our city’s housing targets and would blend perfectly with the ‘three roads strategy’ of Business Sydney and Business Western Sydney for higher density housing along a redeveloped Parramatta Road, Victoria Road and Great Western Highway.”

“We’ve already seen the positive impact of the Sydney Metro extension through the heart of the CBD,” he said.

“It is now possible to visualise what it would mean to Western Sydney to have a station at Rosehill on the Sydney Metro West line that is currently under construction to link the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs with 21st Century public transport.”

While there has been some push-back to the proposed sale from within racing quarters (led by Rosehill-based Chris Waller and fellow trainer Gai Waterhouse), the proposal is now in its second process stage. Valuations will be finalised and plans to establish new and alternative facilities confirmed before any recommendation to sell is put to the ATC membership.

A simple majority would be required to pass any resolution, and if the proposal was endorsed it would head back to Government for final approval.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Celebrating 92 years since establishment of world’s first modern milk bar

On 4 November 1932, Joachim Tavlaridis — known as Mick Adams — opened Australia’s first modern milk bar: the Black & white 4d. Milk Bar at 24 Martin Place, Sydney. 

Indeed, Adams’ milk bar was the world’s first, an achievement which has now been recognised by the City of Sydney Council with the placement of a celebratory, historical ‘Green Plaque’ near the site. 

Within five years of the Black & White’s establishment, there were some 4,000 milk bars operating in Australia. Most were Greek-run. By the mid-1930s, Greeks had taken the concept to New Zealand. At the same time, Great Britain and western Europe also quickly imported the idea, and attempts were made to introduce it to the United States; although the highly regarded status of the drugstore soda parlour resisted the Australian milk bar’s entry. The milk bars concept even reached Fiji by the 1940s, and by the late 1950s, the concept was taken to Japan. 

Black & White 4d. Milk Bar, 24 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW, 1934. Mick Adams (back row, centre) with children from the Dalwood Children’s Health Home. Photo courtesy L. Keldoulis, from the In Their Own Image: Greek- Australians, National Project Archives.

Adams’ refreshment revolution, which fused influences from the American drugstore soda parlour and the Greek galactopoleion, became both an Australian and international food-catering icon. 

Whilst the milk bar has silently faded from our streetscapes, retro references within contemporary food outlets, primarily via décor or consumable offerings, suggests that the ongoing power of the milk bar’s sociocultural symbolism, remains. 

So, if you’re in Martin Place, take the time to pay your respects to Mick Adam’s achievement, almost a century ago now, by viewing the Green Plaque on the eastern most section of the ANZ tower.

Thanasi Kokkinakis clinches title at the 2024 Perpetual NSW Open

South Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis and Emerson Jones (Queensland) have been crowned the 2024 Perpetual NSW Open champions after clinching the singles titles at Sydney Olympic Park.

In the Men’s Singles final, second seed Kokkinakis demonstrated his exceptional skills on the court, defeating Sydney’s own Rinky Hijikata with a commanding score of 6-1, 6-1. This remarkable victory marks Kokkinakis’ first ATP Challenger title on home soil, representing a significant milestone in his career.

Photo: @TKokkinakis / X.

On the Women’s Singles side, 16-year-old wildcard Emerson Jones made waves with her impressive performance against second seed Taylah Preston. Jones secured the championship title in a thrilling two-set match, finishing with a score of 6-4, 7-6. Her triumph is a testament to her immense potential and is a noteworthy achievement at such a young age.

The Perpetual NSW Open remains a prestigious event, attracting talented players from around the globe. This year’s competition showcased emerging talents and provided plenty of thrilling moments for tennis fans.

Source: Tennis NSW.

Miltiadis Tentoglou named 2024 Balkan male athlete of the year

Greek long jumper Miltiadis “Miltos” Tentoglou has been honoured as the top male athlete in Balkan athletics for 2024, adding another prestigious accolade to his impressive career.

The 26-year-old, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, received the award in absentia, which was collected by Giorgos Pomaski, the national track and field coach and jumps coordinator, during a ceremony held in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Photo: @miltos_d.tentoglou / Instragram.

Tentoglou’s recognition underscores a remarkable year for Balkan athletics. Alongside him, Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh was named the top female athlete, having recently set a new world high jump record.

The ceremony also celebrated rising talents, with high jumper Angelina Topic awarded as the top emerging female star, and Serbian middle-distance runner Aldin Katovic recognised as the leading emerging male athlete.

Giannis Antetokounmpo responds to Donald Trump’s remarks on his Greek heritage

With only a few days remaining before the US 2024 Presidential Election, former President Donald Trump raised questions about Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greek heritage. The remarks were made during a rally at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

“And tell me who has more Greek in him? The Greek or me?” Trump asked the crowd. “I think we have about the same, right? He is some.”

At the time of Trump’s comments, Antetokounmpo was competing in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After the match, he was asked about the former President’s remarks and appeared to dismiss them.

Photo: Morry Gash / AP.

“I’m not aware of the comments… At the end of the day, I don’t follow politics that much. And the little that I follow, I try to keep my political views to myself and my family,” Antetokounmpo said.

“I’m here to, you know, win basketball games and not answer to non-basketball questions. But, I wish both candidates best of luck.”

Source: Newsweek.