Historic visit by Panathinaikos to Greek schools in NSW

In a historical lawsuit connected Saturday, 20 September, the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales hosted a distinguished delegation from Panathinaikos B.C. arsenic portion of the “Pavlos Giannakopoulos” tournament successful Australia. The visit took spot astatine the Greek Community Language School successful Clemton Park, with a absorption connected preserving Greek practice done acquisition and sport.

The time was eagerly anticipated, with students prepared by their teachers to welcome the Panathinaikos representatives. As the players entered the hall, the children sang the club’s anthem, creating an ambiance of solemnisation and respect for the iconic team.

The winners of the poster contention were photographed with the players of the Panathinaikos hoops team.

The delegation included planetary hoops players Panagiotis Kalaitzakis and Vasilis Toliopoulos, who precocious won bronze astatine EuroBasket 2025 with the Greek nationalist team. Also contiguous were Panathinaikos president Vasilis Parthenopoulos and Despina Giannakopoulou, widow of the precocious Pavlos Giannakopoulos, together with elder nine officials.

The president of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis, warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the pridefulness felt by the community.

The planetary hoops players Panagiotis Kalaitzakis and Vasilis Toliopoulos motion basketballs for students.

“When we learnt that the ‘Pavlos Giannakopoulos’ Tournament would beryllium held successful Australia, we embraced it with enthusiasm. We took respective initiatives to guarantee its success, arsenic the Greek diaspora present passionately supports events that strengthen our transportation with Greece and its affluent taste and sporting heritage,” Mr Danalis said.

Mr Parthenopoulos shared a idiosyncratic reflection of his ain acquisition arsenic a kid attending Greek schoolhouse successful Australia each Saturday.

Despina Giannakopoulou, Harry Danalis, Themis Kallos and Vasilis Parthenopoulos.

“It is simply a joyousness to spot the passionateness and dedication of these young students, who are learning to support the Greek connection and civilization alive. We thank the Greek Orthodox Community for organising this unforgettable event,” helium said.

The Consul General of Greece successful Sydney, George Skemperis, besides addressed the gathering, stressing the value of the Panathinaikos visit.

“This is the Greece we want our children to spot – vibrant, strong and arrogant of its sporting achievements,” helium said.

As portion of the celebrations, students took portion successful a poster contention promoting the “Pavlos Giannakopoulos” tournament. The winners were announced during the event: Haris Kapsimalis (ages 7–9) from Clemton Park, Eleni Halatsi (ages 10–12) from Summer Hill, and Ioannis Poulos (ages 13–15) from St Spyridon College. Each received exclusive Panathinaikos memorabilia and tickets to the tournament lucifer astatine Qudos Bank Arena connected Sunday, 21 September.

The president of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, the president of Panathinaikos B.C. and Mrs Despina Giannakopoulou exchanged symbolic gifts to strengthen the ties betwixt Greece and the Greek assemblage successful Australia.

The lawsuit concluded with students, parents and grandparents lining up to take photos with Kalaitzakis and Toliopoulos, ensuring memories of a time that celebrated not lone sport but besides the enduring ties betwixt Greece and the Greek assemblage successful Australia.