The Victorian Government is supporting the PanHellenic Games that will be held in Melbourne during the last weekend of November.
In an event for the launch of the Games that was hosted in the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne Victoria last Monday, the Minister of Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino announced a $35,000 pledge on behalf of the government.
Mr Merlino congratulated the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) of Oceania and the Far East for the initiative to organise the Games and wished them all the success.
The Victorian Minister who will be the patron of the Games spoke about the great contribution of the Greek community to Victoria. “…there is little doubt that Victoria’s Greek community is one of the most significant influences in the dynamic, cosmopolitan society we enjoy today,” Mr Merlino said.
“This announcement celebrates the wonderful culture and the vast contribution of our Greek community to this State,” he added.
The PanHellenic Games will see about 600 sporting youth of Greek descent come from all over Australia and New Zealand to compete against each other for the three-day event taking place in Melbourne from November 27-29.
The athletes will test their sporting talents in a range of events from basketball to judo, soccer, swimming, tae kwon do, tennis, track and field, water polo and wrestling.