The biennial Oceania Pan-Hellenic Games are back again and set to host hundreds of Greek Australian athletes for a three day long event. Just a week away, many athletes will be going through their last bit of training before the trip to Canberra.

This year, in what has become a ‘mini Olympics’ for Greek Australians, will see 660 athletes descend on the nation’s capital to compete in seven different sports: football, golf, basketball, netball, tennis, track and field and swimming.

The games are unique in the sporting calendar of Australia, as it has become one of the few sporting events that actively celebrates heritage and culture.
Opening the games during the opening ceremony will be Greece’s ambassador to Australia, Haris Dafaranos, alongside notable members of the Greek communities around Australia.

All states except Western Australia and Tasmania will have athletes participating, with NSW, Victoria and Canberra making up the bulk of participants.
No surprise, soccer is the most popular game, with 16 clubs making the trip. There will even be a blockbuster opening match by two veteran teams from NSW and the ACT.

Also making it on the program list is golf, which will be the first sport played on the opening day, Friday 18 October.

The Games are an initiative by the World Council of Greeks Abroad of Oceania (SAE) and is mostly funded by generous members of the Greek community.
A member of the organising committee, Steve Kalenderidis says this year has seen a continuation of support from the 2011 Darwin games.

“Unlike the Olympics, this is run on a shoestring,” Mr Kalenderidis says.

“We’ve been fortunate in that we’ve had a significant sponsorship from John Halikos from Darwin who is the director of the Halikos group.

“We’ve had a little support from the ACT government, significant support from the Hellenic club of Canberra as well as a lot of support from the local Greek associations.”

The Hellenic Club will also be hosting a special after party for the older athletes, while a big paniyiri on Sunday organised by the Greek community of Canberra will be the closing event to look out for.

For more information, visit www.canberra2013.com.au