Greek Australian athlete, Leo Sideras, will represent Australia at The 8th World Dwarf Games, from July 28 to August 5, at the Deutsche Sport Hochschule (German Sports University) in Cologne, Germany.
The competition will see more than 500 athletes from over 20 countries compete in teams and individual sports.
Sideras is among 40 athletes selected for the 2023 Australian team. He will participate in the football, relay and weightlifting events.
Sideras is a volunteer, committee member and treasurer at the Malvern City Football Club and in a Facebook post, the club wished him luck.
“We are all proud of you and wish you all the best!” the post reads.
The much loved member of the football community was also cheered on by the South Melbourne FC in a Facebook post: “We’re right behind you too, Leo!”
South Melbourne said Sideras is a “key” in the wonderful relationship the football club has with Malvern and “a life long South fan and member.”
According to The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), the sporting event for those with dwarfism is held every four years. The organisation is run by volunteers, and team of athletes are supported by Australians through fundraising activities to compete in the games.
The ASF have announced this year’s games will be “the biggest dwarf-sporting event in history.”
The World Dwarf Games will be live streamed with a broadcasting of the Opening Ceremony on July 28.
