Members of the Hellenic Police Athletic Association have come to Australia to participate in the celebrations of our National Day, getting moved by the city’s young Hellenes in the process.
The visiting police officers made the most of their trip by attending the celebration for 25th March by the students of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s schools on Saturday.
Over 200 students from kindergarten to VCE were present as they took part in poem recitals, skits and dancing.
The teachers, led by Principal Maria Bakalidou, aided the students in putting on a stellar program.
The visiting police officers came at the invitation of the Victorian Hellenic Police Association, particularly from Inspector Andrew Markakis.
The HPAA was notably established to inspire its members to pursue sports programs in Greece and across Europe.
In thanking the Greek police officers, GCM President Bill Papastergiadis, along with Anthie Sidiropoulos and Dr Spiridoula Demetriou, noted that the HPAA symbol, which features a discus thrower, is also found on the Greek Centre.
“The discus thrower celebrates the skill of the athletes and the spirit shown in the Games. Our community understands that many of its members are involved in sport and that is why, among other things, it established the Men’s and Women’s Football Cups,” Papastergiadis said.
“Sport, along with our rich cultural and educational programs, brings us all together.”
