Five Greek Australians have won at the 2022 St George Football Association Gold Medal Presentation.
The awards, which took place last month, recognised the players, coaches, referees and committee members a part of the Southwest Sydney football comp.
The winners for 2022 Club Person of the year were Athena Michailou (Bexley North FC), Stephanie Mallios (Carlton Rovers FC), Chris Spyrou (Riverwood Glory FC), Mathew Papas (Peakhurst United FC) and John Papadopoulos (St George Football Referees Association).
Receiving the Stan Moses Shield and the W R Dobson Trophy on behalf of the Hurstville City Minotaurs FC was Club President Peter “The General” Sarikakis.
The awards night took place at The Grand Roxy, Brighton Le Sands on Friday, 23 September as special guests, club representatives, members, players, coaches and officials attended, acknowledging the achievements from the 2022 season.
Amongst those in attendance was the Federal Member for Banks, the Hon. David Coleman; NSW Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper; NSW Member for Oatley, Mark Coure; Former Member for Kogarah, Cherie Burton; Mayor of Bayside Council, Dr Christina Curry; Mayor of Georges River Council, Nick Katris and Football NSW Director, Debbie Chapman.
The evening was hosted by Australian Sports Presenter and Football NSW Director, Stephanie Brantz.
Football St George Chairperson and Executive Director Irene Hatzipetros was delighted with the end of season Gold Medal and Awards celebrations.
“It was almost surreal to be able to come together in full celebratory mode, acknowledging and commending clubs, teams, coaches, managers, players, referees, and the army of amazing volunteers across our football district that help make our great game what it is,” she said.
“What was yet again very clear is that we are blessed with many fantastic, community minded, local grassroots people that love the game, their club, and the association we are involved in. It is extremely difficult to rate the contributions and achievements of one person to another as in the Board’s eyes, they are all special and champions of our community.”
“It has been an absolute privilege to be able to serve Football St George and the game especially after the previous two COVID interrupted seasons that required a virtual reset of our way of life. 2022 provided us an opportunity to band together again and despite the challenges from wet weather, the Football St George team ensured all players were able to play a complete season.”
“The Football St George, Executive, and I now look forward to what will undoubtedly be an extraordinary 2023 football season ahead.”
Full list of winners available here.
