Hundreds of students from all levels and ages from Melbourne’s Greek Community schools participated in the student Olympics on Saturday despite the searing heat.

The ‘Olympic Games of the Greek Community Schools of Melbourne’ held at the Box Hill oval saw hundreds of students compete in front of their teachers, parents, grandparents, friends, and relatives alike.

Guided by their teachers, the students put on a comprehensive display, featuring an opening ceremony, various athletic events, and awards, concluding with a grand celebration.

The ceremony was hosted by Odysseas Kripotos and graduates Sara Kolovou and Grigoris Saxiounis. Among the distinguished guests were Lee Tarlamis MP, Maria Triantafyllou, Deputy Coordinator of the Education Office for Australia and New Zealand, Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria, and most of the Community’s Board of Directors.

“Since this year was an Olympic year, the Greek Community’s educational department decided to mark this special occasion with a unique event. They dedicated the end-of-year celebration to the Olympic Games and the ideals they represent, organising a one-of-a-kind school Olympic Games for all the community’s units,” explained Kripotos.

The Director of the Community’s Schools, Maria Bakalidou, expressed her gratitude to the teachers, students, parents, and expatriates who contributed to the success of the event.

The core message of the Olympics was “ΕΥ ΑΓΩΝΙΖΕΣΘΑΙ” (The art of competing well/fairly/honourably), promoting the spirit of fair competition, diversity, and the idea that victory should only be achieved through honest means.

The event continued with a reference to Ancient Olympia, where the Olympics were born. The games were held every four years in honour of Zeus, a tradition that continues to from antiquity to the present day.

The ceremony proceeded with the Lighting of the Olympic flame and its journey, followed by the entrance of the students, each representing their respective school units.

Each school entered the stadium with its flag, designed by the students, who chose themes they felt best represented their school. Afterward, the Olympic anthem was performed, composed for the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 by the Corfiot composer Spyros Samaras, with lyrics by Kostis Palamas. The anthem was recited by the students, followed by the Athlete’s Oath, the Coach’s Oath, and the Judge’s Oath.

Once the oaths were taken, the moment arrived for the Olympic Flame to reach the stadium. A VCE student from each school unit passed the torch from hand to hand until the final student lit the cauldron.

The ceremony also featured depictions from Greek mythology, ancient gods, and the “Pediments,” along with references to the Olympic Museum. Additionally, some Olympic events were re-enacted, along with various competitions.

The students were cheered by the crowd throughout the event.

One of the most touching moments took place when the children performed the famous song by Dionysis Savvopoulos, “As Kratisoun I Horoi” (Let the Dances Last), filling the stadium with their voices singing:

“Whether with antiquities,

Or with Orthodoxy,

The communities of the Greeks

Create another galaxy,”

Following the medal ceremonies, the closing ceremony took place. The students blew in the air to spread peace across the world and performed Dionysis Savvopoulos’ “As Kratisoun I Chores” once more, while a tribute was paid to the martyrdom of Cyprus.

At the end, the students sang the national anthems of Australia and Greece.

More photos below: