On Sunday, March 23, the two young Greek world champion rowers Eleftherios Konsolas and Spyros Yiannaros, reveled in all the pomp and circumstance as they were honored by the Greek diaspora of Sydney.
The Australian Hellenic Educational Association (AHEPA) celebrated Greek Independence Day — which coincided with the championships — with songs, poems, speeches and with the two young world champions. The event was attended by hundreds of Greek expatriates.
The Greek athletes were crowned World Champions at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, after winning the final of Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls with a difference of three seconds from the Chinese who finished second.
The president of AHEPA Yiannis Kallimanis who had attended the finals, stated:
“Lefteris Konsolas and Spyros Yiannaros showed us that the Greek soul continues to beat loudly despite the difficulties of the crisis. The members of AHEPA are proud of being able to help these youths representing Greece, finish first in their category.”
Both the 25 year-old Eleftherios Konsolas and the 21 year-old Spyros Yiannaros, stressed their gratitude to the AHEPA for their support. The AHEPA of the New South Wales had organized the hosting of the two rowers and their coach.