Search
Home Blog Page 821

United 58 humiliated by ruthless Sydney Olympic FC

The Greek Herald
-
0
United 58 humiliated by ruthless Sydney Olympic FC

It may have taken three rounds, but Sydney Olympic FC have finally got its 2024 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season off the ground with a convincing display, defeating staunch rivals Sydney United 58 6-0 in front of their home fans at Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday.

Two goals in the first half from Teng Kuol and Roy O’Donovan were followed up by four in the second via Abraham Majok, Oliver Puflett, Jaden Casella and second by Kuol as the home side impressed.

In the 12th minute Sydney United 58 had the first real chance of the game. Shunta Nakamura created space down the right channel and sent a cross to Carlos De Oliveira in the middle, but his low shot on goal was met with a great save by Noah James to his left.

Sydney Olympic replied in the 18th minute when Adam Parkhouse danced his way through some defence outside the box before bringing out the best in Oliver Kalac who saved well to his right to prevent the opening goal.

A few minutes later Sydney United 58 went up the other end and the ball fell nicely for Matthew Hatch on the left who fired his powerful left-footed shot straight into the side netting.

A Sydney Olympic corner was fisted away by Kalac in the 25th minute but only as far as Michael Vakis on the edge of the box who met it with a powerful volley that took a slight deflection and finished just a fraction wide of the goal.

The home side then had the ball in the back of the net in the 30th minute but the goal took some time to be awarded as referee Stephen Lucas deliberated for a while on the sideline with his assistant Cameron Wright as the issue centred on a possible offside.

Parkhouse’s shot was parried by Kalac to Teng Kuol who, from close range, turned it in at his second attempt as Kalac had managed to block his first attempt. Sydney Olympic then duly celebrated their opening goal.

In the 37th minute Sydney Olympic doubled their lead as they were awarded a penalty when Vakis was brought down in the penalty area by Bailey Rule. It was the veteran Roy O’Donovan who confidently went to the spot and sent the visiting ‘keeper the wrong way. The first half thus ended with Olympic ahead by two goals.

Very early in the second stanza of play Sydney Olympic should really have made it three when a diagonal rocket from the right by William Mutch crashed straight into the base of the post.

However, Sydney Olympic didn’t have to wait too long to have their third when Kuol scored his second in the 53rd as he rose up at the far post to meet a corner from Darcy Burgess and head it home.

Sydney United 58 went to the bench in the 60th minute and made a triple substitution to shuffle the cards around and add fresh legs into the clash, but it didn’t seem to pay off as Sydney Olympic scored again shortly afterwards.

It was the 64th minute when the ball made its way across the face of goal thanks to some nice Parkhouse work before reaching Abraham Majok who slotted it home nicely.

In the 75th minute a free kick from the left reached Oliver Puflett in the box but his delightful header, which seemed destined to hit the back of the net, took a slight deflection and went wide.

Sydney Olympic then made it five in the 83rd minute when from really nothing it was Oliver Puflett who, on the turn, fired into the back of the net,

The sixth goal, and the nail in the coffin, arrived in the 88th minute when Puflett crossed the ball from the by-line and from close range Jaden Casella who was ‘johnny on the spot’ and knocked it in.

Post game Sydney Olympic coach Labinot Haliti was understandably delighted with his club’s first victory of the year, but was not getting too carried away.

“It’s not about the score,” he said.

“When we get a loss or a draw it is easy to say things are not working, but I said about 10 months ago that it is a process.

“Today we took another step forward in the way we want to play. In the last two weeks the boys have been unbelievably good, and the Chairman and the CEO have also great belief in the boys and I can’t be more proud of them.

“Everything went well today but I was impressed just the same with our first two games. The score is great today but even in our first game we had chance after chance and it’s a process about where we want to be heading.

“We will take it one game at a time and make no mistake about it, Sydney United is a good club but we believe in what we are doing.”

READ MORE: The Greek Herald Cup: A spectacle of Greek dancing, music and football rivalry.

Source: Football NSW.

Surge in registrations by Greek diaspora for postal voting

The Greek Herald
-
0
Surge in registrations by Greek diaspora for postal voting

Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis and Minister of Interior Niki Kerameus held a meeting with the heads of diplomatic and consular authorities around the world on postal voting for the Greek diaspora.

On Thursday, February 29, Minister Gerapetritis and Minister Kerameus engaged in a teleconference with the Heads of Greece’s Missions abroad, providing a comprehensive overview of postal voting procedures.

The briefing aimed to equip diplomatic and consular authorities with the necessary information to assist Greek citizens residing abroad in exercising their voting rights in the upcoming European elections scheduled for June 9.

This occasion marks the realisation of a longstanding aspiration of Greeks worldwide, granting them the opportunity to participate in elections without the need to travel to Greece or its diplomatic missions, often located far from their places of residence.

For the first time in Greek history, residents abroad will exclusively utilise postal voting for the European elections. The recently launched online registration platform, epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr, facilitates registration up to 40 days prior to the elections, streamlining the process for interested individuals.

Detailed guidelines are available on the official websites of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, while in-person registration at Consular Authorities remains an option.

Minister Gerapetritis emphasised the significance of this milestone, stressing the crucial role of diplomatic missions in ensuring the success of the electoral process. He highlighted the importance of embracing a new mindset towards voting, underscoring its relevance to all European citizens, irrespective of their place of residence.

Minister Kerameus expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic and Consular Authorities for their pivotal contributions to the postal voting initiative. Their efforts in disseminating information and supporting voter registration were acknowledged as essential pillars of the project’s success.

The teleconference, attended by Deputy Minister of Interior Theodoros Livanios and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras, signifies a collaborative effort between government entities to promote democratic participation among Greek citizens worldwide.

Surge in registration for postal voting

The latest statistics reveal a surge in registrations for postal voting among Greek expatriates. According to official data released by the Greek government, a total of 20,835 individuals have registered for postal voting worldwide until Sunday.

The Greek diaspora can now vote in the European elections.

Of this figure, 12,706 registrations originate from within Greece itself, representing 61.0% of the total registrations.

However, it is the Greek diaspora outside the borders of Greece that has demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for exercising their democratic rights remotely. A total of 8,129 registrations have been recorded from expatriates living abroad, constituting 39.0% of the overall registrations.

Delving deeper into the breakdown of registrations outside Greece, it is evident that Europe boasts the highest number of registrations, with 7,091 expatriates signing up for postal voting, accounting for 87.2% of registrations outside Greece.

Meanwhile, Greek communities in North and Central America, Asia, Africa, and South America have also participated in the postal voting registration process, albeit to a lesser extent.

Only 111 individuals have registered for postal voting from Oceania, comprising Australia and New Zealand. However, officials anticipate this number to increase following the upcoming visit of Deputy Minister of Interior, Theodoros Livanios to Australia.

Source: mfa.gr.

First same-sex marriage takes place in Greece

The Greek Herald
-
0
First same-sex marriage takes place in Greece

Greece witnessed its first same-sex marriage ceremony on March 3, 2024.

The occasion comes in the wake of the Greek Parliament’s recent vote on a bill legalising same-sex marriage, a decision that sparked intense debate among lawmakers.

Stavros Gavriliades and Dimitris Eleysiniotis, a devoted couple of over two decades, exchanged vows at the Nea Smyrni municipality in Athens.

The ceremony, held at the Nea Smyrni municipal palace, was a private affair attended by close family members.

same sex marriage
First same-sex marriage took place in Greece.

The journey to this historic moment was not without its challenges. The parliamentary discussion surrounding the bill was marked by heated exchanges, with MPs from various parties expressing both support and opposition. However, despite the contentious nature of the debate, the bill ultimately received approval, opening the door for couples like Gavriliades and Eleysiniotis to formalise their union.

The couple’s commitment to each other has been unwavering, demonstrated by their decision to adopt three children, including twins. Throughout the legislative process, they remained actively engaged, closely following the developments from the visitors’ stands in Parliament.

Emmanuel Karalis wins first-ever medal at World Indoor Athletics Championships

The Greek Herald
-
0
Emmanuel Karalis wins first-ever medal at World Indoor Athletics Championships

Emmanuel Karalis has won his first-ever bronze medal in pole vault at the World Indoor Athletics Championships.

The Greek long jumper was sensational on the day, breaking this year’s record twice and won with a successful jump at 5.85- metres with the first attempt.

This was Emmanuel’s second appearance at the World Indoor Championships after finishing 5th in Birmingham in 2018.

This was Greece’s second medal at this year’s event and 15th overall at the World Indoors, following Miltos Tentoglou’s gold in the high jump on Saturday.

Sifis Tsourdalakis: Music rooted in Cretan tradition

The Greek Herald
-
0
Sifis Tsourdalakis: Music rooted in Cretan tradition

Born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1975, Sifis Tsourdalakis was raised in a household steeped in the melodies and rhythms of Crete, where his parents, Socrates and Anna, cultivated a deep appreciation for Cretan music within their family.

Growing up with his twin sister Elefteria and his older brother Antonis, Sifis found himself immersed in Melbourne’s Cretan community. At the heart of this community were the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria and the Rethymnians Association of Melbourne where Sifis and his siblings became members, of the traditional Cretan dance group “Arkadi.”

Young Sifis with his father

The musical legacy of the Tsourdalakis family can be traced back to 1918, with Sifis inheriting his musical talent from his grandfather, Antonis Tsourdalakis, a renowned mandolin player from the village of Agios Vasilios in Rethymno, Crete. This familial tradition extended to uncles and cousins in Melbourne who also demonstrated prowess in playing Cretan musical instruments, fostering an environment where Sifis, as a young musician could nurture his passion.

His father Socrates also played a pivotal role in shaping Sifi’s musical journey. As a founding member and Secretary of the Rethymnians Association of Melbourne, Socrates facilitated interactions with esteemed Cretan musicians invited to Australia, providing young Sifis with invaluable exposure to Cretan musical traditions. Musicians such as Mountakis, Sifogiorgakis, Papadakis and Skordalos would often visit the Tsourdalakis household, leaving an indelible mark on the young musician.

Group performance

It was during one such visit, in 1979, that George Papadakis recognised Sifis’ talent and gifted him one of his Cretan lyras. This act of generosity served as a catalyst for Sifis’ musical aspirations, igniting dedication to mastering the lyra. Guided by passion and dedication, Sifis embarked on a musical journey, driven by a profound love for his heritage and its melodic expression. In 2000 he left his homeland Melbourne to live in Crete where he could learn from the masters he grew up idolising. He is now based in Rethymno where he regularly mingles and plays alongside other well-known Cretan artists. This bold move offered further opportunities and international invitations. He has since performed for the Greek diaspora in America, Canada, Germany and throughout all regions of Greece.

CD

From those early days in Melbourne’s Cretan community, Sifis has emerged as a respected figure in the realm of Cretan music. His performances are a living embodiment of the timeless melodies that echo through the valleys and villages of Crete.  As Sifis says, “I thank God and my parents for putting me on this amazing musical journey.”

Group performance

To date, Sifis has also released a number of CDs.

Sifis Tsourdalakis is amongst many Greek Australian artists who have participated in the GAAD (Greek Australian Artist Directory). An initiative by the Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL), the GAAD celebrates Greek Australian visual and performing artists by showcasing their works and contributions to the Australian arts landscape.  By preserving and promoting the artistic legacy of Greek Australian artists, the directory ensures that their talents are duly acknowledged and cherished, cementing their place in Australia’s artistic narrative.

Sifis at the Antipodes Festival

Interested artists can register their profiles by visiting www.gacl.com.au and clicking on the dedicated GAAD section.  For any inquiries related to the GAAD, individuals can either email GACL President Cathy Alexopoulos infogaclm@gmail.com or contact GAAD Co-ordinator Vasy Petros on 0412 242557.

CD

*Written by Vasy Petros. This is a Greek Australian Cultural League Initiative supported by The Greek Herald.

Yianni Moustakas helps people find their match through jogging

The Greek Herald
-
0
Yianni Moustakas helps people find their match through jogging

There is a new way to find love and that is to start jogging. If you are in Sydney all you have to do is wake up at 5am, wear your sports shoes and take a bottle of water in you.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Sydney running club helps people connect easily. Instead of swiping left on a person and maybe meeting up at a bar, joining a running club seems to be doing the trick.

One of the club’s founders, Yianni Moustakas, 29, told The Daily Telegraph that some members travel from Liverpool and Bass Hill to take part.

Photo: Ketut Subiyanto

“We actually get a lot of people from Western Sydney coming to our runs. One guy comes from Camden. He’s told me he wakes up at 3:45am and he’s down here by 4:45am,” he said.

Mr Moustakas is happy that his club has brought people together and helped forged friendships and relationships.

“We’ve had a few people already who are going on dates and dating currently. The fact that people can just find somewhere early in the morning and not just meet a future lover but future friends is great,” he said.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Traditional Greek recipes: Soutzoukakia

The Greek Herald
-
0
Traditional Greek recipes: Soutzoukakia

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for soutzoukakia with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!

Ingredients:

  • 500  gms pork mince
  • 500 gms ground beef
  • 1 large onion grated
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 eggs
  • 12 slices day old white bread (chopped in a food processor)
  • 150ml milk
  • ½ bunch of fresh mint finely chopped
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ½ bunch chopped parsley
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Extra oil for frying

FOR THE SAUCE:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3-4 bay leaves
  • 1 cup chicken stock (or 1 chicken stock cube diluted in a cup of hot water)
  • 750 ml passata sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Soutzoukakia

Method:

  1.  Process the bread in a food processor and add to a mixing bowl.
  2. Add the pork and beef mince, onion, garlic, milk, oil and all the fresh and dry herbs.  Mix together well till all ingredients are well incorporated making sure the bread is well combined and breaks up completely.
  3. Form into golf size balls, or alternatively oval shape (which is the traditional way) and set them aside.
  4. In a deep frying pan, pour your extra oil and fry meatballs till they are lightly brown.
  5. Drain onto a plate with absorbent paper.  Repeat till all the soutzoukakia are done.
  6. In another pot, add all the sauce ingredients together and bring to a boil.  Once sauce is boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.  We want the sauce to thicken a little. 
  7. Once your sauce has reduced and thicken slightly add the soutzoukakia into the sauce and let them finish cooking (approx… 20-30 minutes).  Gently stir them, making sure you don’t break them but also making sure they don’t catch at the base of your pot.  If the sauce has reduced a lot, add ½ cup water and continue to cook them.
  8. Once ready, you can serve them with steamed rice or cooked pasta.

Niki Louca runs cooking classes in Melbourne. For more or to book classes visit My Greek Kitchen at www.mygreekkitchen.com.au or Instagram @mygreekkitchen. You can email Niki at: niki@mygreekkitchen.com.au.

New discovery reveals Greek written recipe as the oldest in Egypt

The Greek Herald
-
0
New discovery reveals Greek written recipe as the oldest in Egypt

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recently unveiled a remarkable discovery: the oldest known written recipe, dating back to around 300 AD, found on a papyrus written in Greek. It is a recipe of red lentils.

This find highlights the profound cultural and culinary exchanges between ancient Egypt and Greece, dating back to when Greeks first settled in Egypt around the 7th century BC.

The recipe suggests the integration of Greek culinary traditions with the ancient Egyptian diet.

Egyptians included lentils in their diet since around 4000 BC while the discovery shows that it was part of the Greek diet too.

This blend of cultures is emblematic of the historical ties between the two civilizations, especially in Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria was a beacon of Hellenistic culture, known for its legendary Pharos Lighthouse, the Great Library, and as a hub of ancient Mediterranean power.

This lentil recipe not only enriches our understanding of ancient diets but also the intricate web of cultural interactions across the Mediterranean.

The Greek influence in Egypt, particularly evident in Alexandria, showcases the enduring legacy of Hellenistic culture in shaping the region’s culinary and cultural landscape.

Sydney Olympic FC launches the 2024 NPL season

The Greek Herald
-
0
Sydney Olympic FC launches the 2024 NPL season

Sydney Olympic FC set the stage for an exciting 2024 National Premier Leagues (NPL) season with a entertaining launch event held at the Canterbury Leagues Club in Sydney on Thursday, February 29. The evening unfolded with a vibrant presentation of both the men’s and women’s first-grade teams, captivating the audience with promising insights into the upcoming season.

Women’s first-grade team.

The event commenced with a heartening address from the club’s President, Damon Hanlin. He expressed his delight at the youthful and fresh appearance of the teams, emphasizing the pride he feels for a club he has been a part of for eight years. He acknowledged the club’s rich 67-year history but passionately conveyed the message that the club is now geared towards a new and promising future with the National Second Division on the horizon in 2025.

Highlighting the significant milestone, Mr Hanlin expressed gratitude to the key figures, including Simon Hill as the evening’s MC, CEO Lawrie McKinna, Board member Matt Phelps and first grade coaches Labinot Haliti, Geoff Abrahams, and the supporting staff for their efforts.

Damon Hanlin.
Lawrie McKinna.

The evening continued with a panel discussion moderated by renowned commentator Mr Hill, featuring football legends Anthony Doumanis, recently retired Will Angel, Fábio Ferreira, and former Socceroo Marshall Soper. Mr Soper, reflecting on his time with Olympic in the 80s, spoke about the club’s prestige and his pride in contributing to its rich history and emphasized he would always be a pioneer for the club. Mr Doumanis shared his experiences playing alongside football giants, Troy Halpin, Ante Juric, and Kresimir Marusic, expressing excitement for Sydney Olympic’s return to the national stage in 2025.

Fábio Ferreira, who retired in 2023 after a remarkable career, affirmed his enduring support for the club, speaking of the strong connections formed during his time with Olympic. The recently retired Will Angel concluded the panel, reminiscing about his 20 years with the club and expressing anticipation for the spotlight to return to Olympic in coming year.

Mr Hill, steering the conversation, engaged Soper on defining the current state of the game in Australia. Soper highlighted the achievements of the Matildas, recognizing them as the most recognized faces in Australian football who are leading the game in the country at present.

The event took an artistic turn as Angelica Georgopoulos unveiled the club’s new cultural project – the redesigned Sydney Olympic kit. Designed by 21-year-old Kayleb Gama, Gama delved into his creative approach that sought to blend modern aesthetics with the rich traditions of the club, creating a visual representation of the multicultural spirit that has fueled the passion for football in Australia. He wanted the kit to pay homage to the club’s history and represent Australia’s diverse migrant communities.

Sydney Olympic FC jersey design.
Kayleb Gama.

The second panel discussion featured first grade men’s coach Mr Haliti, first grade women’s coach Mr Abrahams, first grade women’s player Brianna Oliverio, and first grade men’s player George Timotheou. Ms Oliverio expressed her eagerness for the introduction of women into the second tier, while Mr Abrahams discussed new signings and changes for the upcoming season. Haliti reflected on recent wins in both The Greek Herald Cup and the Hellenic Cup in Brisbane while Timotheou highlighted his mentoring role with the younger squads.

Mr McKinna expressed gratitude to the club’s sponsors, essential for the club’s success. Raffle prizes, drawn by representatives from Simon Curwood Jewelers, one of the club’s sponsors, added an exciting finale to a night filled with optimism and anticipation for Sydney Olympic FC’s promising 2024 NPL season.

L to R: Fábio Ferreira, Simon Hill and Will Angel.
Club sponsors, Simon Curwood Jewelers gave away prizes on the night.

First chair of Armenian language and culture to be established in Greece

The Greek Herald
-
0
First chair of Armenian language and culture to be established in Greece

A new chair dedicated to Armenian language and culture is set to be established at the Democritus University of Thrace in Komotini, Greece.

According to armradio.am, the signing of a pertinent agreement took place with Fotios Maris, President of the Democritus University of Thrace, and Armenian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Greece, Tigran Mkrtchyan, sealing the deal.

The Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of this chair.

The event was attended by a number of officials, including the Vice-Chairman of the Greece-Armenia Friendship Group of the Greek Parliament, Mrs. Zoe Konstantopoulou, member of the Greece-Armenia Friendship Group and the SYRIZA Party Nina Kasimati, representatives of the academic sphere, Armenian clergy, local community and structures, other guests.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Tigran Mkrtchyan underscored the historical significance of the occasion, highlighting that it marks the first establishment of a center for Armenian studies in Greece.

Photo: lil artsy

He said cooperation with higher educational institutions aims to turn bilateral contacts into the development and expansion of long-term promising ties in the scientific field, which will serve as a basis for strengthening Armenia-Greece relations.

Professor Photios Maris, noted, in turn, that Armenian language and culture, as well as Armenian history, are within the university’s interests, and the agreement signed today officially opens up great opportunities for Armenian studies.

He expressed confidence that the effectiveness of the works will be visible in the near future and will serve a stable basis for the academic cooperation of friendly people of Armenia and Greece peoples.

The event was followed by a feast of traditional Armenian dishes and drinks.

Source: armradio.am

1...820821822...1,989Page 821 of 1,989

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.