The commitment of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) of Oceania and Far East to organise the Panhellenic Games was reaffirmed in a special meeting that took place in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The Games are scheduled to be held in November 27-29. George Angelopoulos, Coordinator of SAE Oceania and Far East told Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE) that necessary funds for the organising of the Games had been secured including a sum from the Greek government.

Mr Angelopoulos has recently arrived from Greece where he pursued meetings with Greek officials regarding funding support for the games.

NKEE understands that Mr Angelopoulos did not meet with the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Theodoros Kassimis responsible for SAE matters.

In a NKEE report published early last month sources who had spoken on a condition of anonymity had suggested that the Games had run into financial trouble with the Greek government unwilling to allocate any funds.

Greek government sources insist that the situation has not changed, although Mr Angelopoulos revealed to NKEE that $60,000 had been earmarked by the Greek government.

Regardless of some confusion, SAE Oceania officials including Mr Angelopoulos view these Games as a bet that needs to be won.

To this end in Tuesday’s meeting all participating members of the Organising Committee for the Panhellenic Games wholeheartedly supported the idea of the Games.

Time lines for preparations are tight while the financial situation delayed necessary actions such as the booking of accomodation of atheletes and officials, transportation and other logistics.

The next few weeks are a critical time for the Games as the organisers scramble for solutions.