Shocking moments were experienced by those who arrived in Kallimarmaro for the start of the International Boxing Cup of the Acropolis, which on the initiative of the president of the Hellenic Boxing Federation, Harry Marioli, returned to the glorious stage after decades.
In an atmosphere of emotion, awe and pride, the first boxers of a team of 200 athletes from 15 countries competed, with the Greek team painting the white marbles of the Panathinaikos Stadium blue and white and dominating the competition regardless of the result.
On the first day of the event, which will end on Sunday, June 19, six Greek boxers competed. Konstantinos Sarkiris made the start in the 60 kg category, in an amazing race although he lost, as did Minas Savvopoulos. The first Greek victory was brought by Konstantinos Kalogeridis, prevailing over his Ukrainian opponent.
The Greek successes continued with George Pappas, while the blue and white mission in the premiere of the Acropolis Cup was completed with Esteban Pena and Dimitris Meimetis.
With the completion of the games, followed a spectacular opening ceremony, with awards of Olympians, Antonis Giannoulas, George Gazis, Marios Kaperonis, world champions Eleftheria Paleologos, Areti Mastrodouka, Maria Semertzaglou, Tzidon Kao Aidinioti and other boxing personalities who with their action promoted the founding sport of the Olympic Games.
An impressive parade of sports missions followed, with the Greek delegation being adored during its appearance on stage while shivers of emotion flooded the audience when the beloved singer Iphigenia sang our National Anthem.
Undersecretary Lefteris Avgenakis greeted the event and congratulated the president of the Hellenic Boxing Federation for the impressive revival of the Acropolis Cup and stressed that he will always be by the side of the champions to support their work and effort.
The president of the Hellenic Boxing Federation, Haris Mariolis, pointed out with emotion in his turn that: “I stand in front of you with great emotion and it is very difficult for me to express this very special and unique moment, the emotions that flood my soul. Only awe and emotion can be felt by someone here, in one of the most important monuments of Athens, the Panathinaiko Stadium. In this cultural symbol of Greece and at the same time a real jewel of Greek history. The Acropolis International Boxing Cup, a sporting event, gives Greek boxing the glory it deserves. Greek boxing celebrates. It is a historic day, as young athletes have the opportunity to experience the most important stadium in the world, but also the opportunity to compete in it. Athletes from all over the world are with us to compete in a four-day competition program. “It’s a big celebration of sports.”
The representatives of the fighting world handed over the baton to the great artists who united their voice with that of the athletes in defense of a common vision: for Greece to rise again with the pillars of education, sports and culture.
The artistic program was dedicated to Epirus, the place of origin of our National Benefactor Evangelos Zappas, with whose money Kallimarmaro was restored on the 100th anniversary of the Asia Minor catastrophe.
The legend of folk music Mr. Petroloukas Chalkias virtuoso clarinet from Epirus with his orchestra enchanted the audience and accompanied George Dovolos singer and teacher of Byzantine music in traditional rhythms, the great singer Hero Saiada kathia Psaradellis was moved by his wonderful song dedicated and inspired by his refugee grandmother.
The audience was aroused with dances from Asia Minor by the dancers of the Cultural Center “Horevresis” and Mani dances were presented by the dance group of the Union of All Mani.
The artistic events ended with Cretan songs by the lyre player George Lagoudakis and his musicians.
The event is part of the World Olympic Day and supports the work of the Ark of the World by Father Antonios.
Lucky will be those who come to Kallimarmaro on Sunday to watch the boxing finals from 17: 00-20: 00 while at 20:30 the awards ceremony with the Olympia and a wonderful artistic program with the participation of renowned artists Ms. Fotini Darra, Gerasimos Andreas , Petros Imbrios, Andreas Hatziandreou, Ifigenia, piano George Papachristoudis, violin Nikos Hatzopoulos, choir under the direction of Maki Psaradelli etc.
The program was edited and presented by journalist and event manager Georgia Bitakou.
Sunday 6/19/2022
Kalimarmaro
Games 17:00 -20: 00
Closing ceremony – concert: 20:30
Free entrance
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
