Over 1,500 young athletes, and their families and friends gathered at the Deree Gym on Saturday, January 21 for this year’s Deree College Athletic Club (DCAC) pitta-cutting ceremony, a joyful event with the aim of celebrating the goals achieved during 2016 and a new year of records! The event was also attended by the administration of The American College of Greece, the mayor of Aghia Paraskevi Mr. Ioannis Stathopoulos, and Olympic medalist Spiros Gianniotis.
Young athletes were rewarded for their previous year’s accomplishments, while the “golden” swim team and tennis team were awarded for having been distinguished on a national level. The DCAD Swim Team won 20 medals in national competitions and broke five national records, and the DCAC Tennis Team has an athlete in first place in the U-12 national standings!
Furthermore, the U-16 Basketball Team was awarded for its advancement to the E.S.K.A. Division I Category, with a perfect record of 22-0. The Juniors soccer team was awarded for winning 2 championships; the U-14 Girls Volleyball for being placed in the final 6 of the Eastern Attica competition; and athletes from the DCAC Track & Field Academy were awarded for their distinctions and wins in day-events.
Pierce Principal Olga E. Julius was honored for her commitment and continued support of the athletic programs of the College and the DCAC, as was the Olympic medalist Spiros Gianniotis, for his tremendous contribution and dedication to athletics. In his short, yet inspiring and insightful speech, the Olympic champion offered valuable advice to the audience and young athletes.
Exclusive prizes, generously donated by KOTSOVOLOS, were awarded to the lucky winners of the raffle who eagerly received their prizes while the spectators cheered. The end of the celebration afforded everyone the opportunity to take pictures, ask for autographs from the Olympic medalist, and exchange New Year’s wishes with the growing DCAC Sports Academy family, which has now reached 1,200 members!
The Deree College Athletic Club wishes everyone a happy new year with health and happiness for all!
