Member Associations | 10 Jan 2013

Greece welcomed New Year in great style

The guests from various fields of the sport, officials from politics scene and sports life and many good friends, such as the President of European Table Tennis Union Stefano BOSI, were present at the Greek Table Tennis Federation great celebration on Tue

Hosts and guests welcomed 2013 with a smile and optimism and urged all members of the family of sport to continue with the same determination and faith to keep the Greek table tennis strong despite huge financial difficulties. “The world of Greek table tennis stood and stands united. We will continue fight with dignity, with strength and faith despite the very difficult time”, said the president of the Greek federation Manolis KOLYMPADIS.

The H.T.T.F awarded the winning team of last year’s Teams Championships and presented five special awards. Among the awarded was the president of ETTU Stefano BOSI. The Italian president was special guest of the event and was awarded for great help to the Federation (in collaboration with the Austrian Federation and organizers). The help that came from ETTU made possible for Greek players to participate at the last year’s European Junior Championships in Austria. In addition ETTU enabled the training seminars with foreign experts in Greece.

Stefano BOSI with old teammates recalled the years of their active career, met current members of the Greek national team and experienced board members of the federation.

“In a very difficult period for our country we found the way, thanks to the support of Stefano BOSI, thanks to this act of solidarity and humanity, to send our children to the European Championships in Austria and they have performed well. This action made us feel that we are not alone, that table tennis is a big family “, said the friend of Stefano BOSI, Manolis KOLYMPADIS.

ETTU President greeted the event and his words touched the audience. Having studied ancient Greek in high school BOSI used Greek mythology to eloquently explain his point of view. “I cannot imagine Europe without Greece and European championships without the participation of your national team. I had to show friendship, solidarity, unity and we took the initiative, and we are glad that we helped to educate the Greeks coaches”.

In addition, Stefano BOSI announced that ETTU would provide complete material for three pitches with tables, net, table referees, screen etc…

The awards for their achievements received a total of 25 clubs. Among the awarded was former Secretary of Sports Panagiotis BITSAXIS, 30 years on the trustee of the H.T.T.F. Theoklitos SPANOS and athletes Kostas PAPAGEORGIOU, Laura NIKOULAE.