Parthenopoulos: “All opponents had the same respect for Pavlos Giannakopoulos”

Australia’s “Rythmos Greek Digital Radio” radio of “Rythmos Greek Digital Radio” Vassilis Parthenopoulos.



Its chairman OEM Panathinaikos Aktor talked among other things about The 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament to be held in Australia, For the atmosphere of the OAKA and the excellent collaboration of the “Greens” with the NBL for the hosting of the tournament, and also referred to the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos.

In detail what he said:



How Australia came about for the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament: “No one can question the history of the big teams, but Panathinaikos has grown up in recent years both internally and abroad. Dimitris Giannakopoulos took over the reins from his father, he does exactly the same and more. We go on a very good way. One of the reasons we chose Australia because of the homogeneity and the great diaspora. The most important was Australia’s homogeneity, the expatriates so far away. We said we would dare to make this trip, this difficult journey. Those who know from competitions, such a journey is very weight and risk. But we have chosen it to honor the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos and we will be with you. The first group departs on August 13 and the second group departs on August 16, which will be returned by the other players from the national teams. “

For what Pavlos Giannakopoulos was: “I lived in football when I was general manager in Panathinaikos football. We lived a lot together on multinationalism if you remember. A man with clear thought. With honesty and honesty. We were all impressed by the way he approached sports and in the world in general. He was an excellent man. I also know this from his “opponents” because everyone respects him, whether he was friends of Olympiacos, AEK or PAOK. Everyone had the same respect for Paul. An excellent gentleman and a flawless family man. His wife, Despina, next to him all these years. Even now he comes to the court and travels with us very often, reminds us and brings us Paul’s aura. The history of Panathinaikos continues in a difficult environment, on a difficult journey to Euroleague. The races are too many. The double weeks will be too many, but I think we are going well. “

For the atmosphere of OAKA: “The NBA is a great event in world basketball, but let’s not forget that the culture of Europe, Greece, the Balkans, Serbia and Israel, this passion expressed, the pulse. I don’t think they’ve ever lived in an NBA game. It is a completely different feeling. Especially for foreign players who come to the NBA, as soon as they see the transformation of the world, the passion and the atmosphere. Too many people tell us that they have not experienced such an atmosphere before. Obviously this helps the athlete in such races … “.



For the presence of Panathinaikos Aktor in Australia: “The whole team will be there! Players, Staff, coaches, members of the administration. Everyone is looking forward and seeing it as a unique experience. Having discussed the players, they are very interested. They have not come to Australia and see it as a new experience. “

For the collaboration with the NBL for the 7th Tournament “Pavlos Giannakopoulos: “I tell you that I was surprised by the incredible collaboration with the wonderful team of Mr. Larry Kestelman, who runs the NBL. We didn’t even have problems with the processes. The cooperation is impeccable. It is an excellent group of people. We got new friends with a clear mind, love for the sport. It’s like we’re in Greece. They are flawless! They are extremely organized, very welcoming. When I came two months ago for the announcement, I felt like I was in my house. It is worth noting that two weeks ago I hosted at the OAKA for a tour the Australian Ambassador, Mrs. Alison Duncan, together with the President of the Greek Community, Mr. Bill Papastergiadis.

I want to dwell here because Bill is an excellent gentleman, an excellent Greek, who has helped us very much to organize some events and bring the Greeks close to this event. He also lived the experience of the OAKA, with the presence of our leader, Costas Sloukas. We presented the special jersey that the players will wear with the Australian signal. I do not hide that we have special cooperation and support with people from “Agapi Care”, Mr. Alex Panagiotopoulos and Ms. Mary Gakopoulos, with people we found with them and organizing all this to give something to the Greeks and staying in their memory as an experience from Greece and Panathinaikos, as well, special help and we are in constant contact with the general consul, Mrs. Dimitra Georgantzoglou. It supports us. Because whatever problems can occur is with us to support us with the event. “