Heartbeat of Football receives $10,000 donation from Good Samaritan

·

Heartbeat of Football (HOF) received a $10,000 donation on Monday from the director of The Hellenic Greek eatery, Theo Travlos, to amp up their heart health testing.

Founder of HOF, Andy Paschalidis, tells The Greek Herald the donation was a “stunning gesture” and one that will ensure the not-for-profit organisation can continue working with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and Response for Life to promote healthy hearts in sport.

Andy Paschalidis (left) with Theo Travlos who donated $10,000 to the Heartbeat of Football. Supplied by Andy Paschalidis.

“When grassroots football starts again in July, I’ll be visiting 16 clubs and conducting on-the-spot tests of things such as a players blood pressure and sugar, to determine their risk of a heart attack,” Paschalidis says during our conversation.

“But what the Travlos family have done is given us the opportunity to engage with another 10 clubs. Which is massive. I’m ecstatic because there might be someone amongst those clubs – a volunteer, a player, a match official, a coach – who might have a health issue they don’t know about and our testing can trigger them to go and get checked out by their GP.”

Paschalidis founded HOF in 2016 as he wanted to promote good heart health in sport via player education, the minimisation of health risks and the installation of defibrillators on all sporting fields around the country.

Paschalidis (second from right) with HOF Global Ambassador Tim Cahill (right). Supplied by Andy Paschalidis.

Four years later and the organisation has only continued to grow. Socceroos legend, Tim Cahill, has jumped on board in the role of Global Ambassador and uses his profile to raise awareness of heart health issues in football and the wider community. At the same time, Paschalidis says he has also received huge support from the Greek Australian community.

“My passion for heart health started back in 2014 when I saw a rise in heart attack deaths in football. But survival is difficult for the organisation. We have no government funding per se and we survive on the goodwill of the public,” Paschalidis says.

Paschalidis founded HOF in 2016. Supplied by Andy Paschalidis.

“Particularly the Greek Australian community, who have been wonderful supporters and they’ve kept us alive in so many ways. Even in times of adversity, Greeks give. It’s a part of our DNA that’s truly unique.”

And it’s this generosity from the community, as well as other philanthropists, which has enabled Paschalidis to continue to grow his passion and get out the important message of ‘a healthy heart’ before it’s too late.

“If we do not prepare it will be too late to react. So at least if we make everyone aware of their health before they start playing again, it will help. We need the dialogue out there,” he stresses.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Woman who confessed to killing infants moved to high-security Korydallos prison

Eirini Mourtzoukou, the 25-year-old woman who has confessed to killing at least three infants, has been transferred to Korydallos Prison.

GOCNSW youth lead heartfelt farewell to Greek Consul General in Sydney

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosted a special farewell reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.

From Athens with purpose: Reflections on the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025

As the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025 drew to a close, it did so against the majestic backdrop of Athens.

Honouring Cyprus’ martyrs: Melbourne remembers the sacrifice of July 9, 1821

A hierarchical memorial service was held on Sunday, July 13, at the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in North Balwyn.

Melbourne’s Greek community pays emotional tribute to the ‘Pontian Eagle’ Peter Jasonides

On a cold Friday night, a full hall at Alphington Grammar’s Lyceum brought warmth to those gathered to honour the life of Peter Jasonides.

You May Also Like

Giannis Antetokounmpo graffiti disgraced with Nazi symbols by vandals

Athenian vandals have disgraced a piece of graffiti of Giannis Antetokounmpo with multiple Nazi symbols, discovered by the public on Thursday.

Greece’s Defence Minister unveils upgrade for Hellenic Airforce

Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias visited the General Directorate for Defense Equipment and Armaments to discuss “Agenda 2030.”

Hellenic Football Federation struggles to secure venue for Greek Cup Final

The location for the May 24 Greek Cup final between AEK Athens and PAOK has yet to be secured by the Hellenic Football Federation.