London Greek Radio

Cyprus clinched 16th place among 72 countries in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham earlier this month, winning 11 medals – two gold, three silver and six bronze.

The Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades took to Twitter congratulating Cyprus’ team medal haul, saying “Congratulations to our athletes for their excellent achievements and the 11 medals at the Commonwealth Games. Allow me to make a special reference to our ‘golden’ Elias Georgiou & Giorgos Balarsjishvili who raised our country to the highest podium.”

The Cyprus News Agency described Cyprus’ performance as “very satisfactory”, especially in view of the fact that there were no shooting events in Birmingham, where Cyprus had excelled at previous Commonwealth Games.

Georgios Balarjishvili won the gold in judo in the 66kg category, and Elias Georgiou also won the gold medal in gymnastics.

Anna Sokolova secured two silver medals in rhythmic gymnastics, and Sokratis Pilakouris one silver in gymnastics.

The six bronze medals were won by Alexandros Poursanidis in the hammer throw, Anna Sokolova in rhythmic gymnastics, plus the men’s gymnastics team (Marios Georgiou, Elias Georgiou, Georgios Angonas, Sokratis Pilakouris and Michalis Chari), also won bronze, and three bronze medals were won too by Marios Georgiou in gymnastics.

Team head Giorgos Papageorgiou told CNA that the team had achieved their target with the medals haul. Papageorgiou expressed great satisfaction saying that “a small island of one million population has managed to take 16th place among 72 countries, with 11 medals, two gold, three silver and six bronze.”

The Cypriot team celebrated their first ever Bronze medal, with a Cypriot-style feast at Birmingham-run Kouzina Greek.

Paul Polyviou, owner of Kouzina Greek, said: “It was an honour to welcome the Cyprus team to Kouzina and give them a taste of home here in Birmingham. It was an incredibly proud moment for Cyprus to win their first Bronze medal and I’m delighted that we were able to help them celebrate this momentous occasion”.

Cyprus has competed in ten previous Commonwealth Games, making their first appearance in 1978, and missing only one Games since, in 1986.

Birmingham handed over the Commonwealth Games mantle to the 2026 host, Melbourne.

Join our very own Katerina Neocleous on London Greek Radio on Saturday 13th November from 2pm -4pm for her show Sporty Saturday.

She will be joined by a very special surprise guest from the Cyprus rugby team! 🔎

Here’s to the continuation of the (24 game) unbeaten run in international rugby. Wishing our team the best of luck in your 3pm kick off!!  🏈

After recently being named ‘Club of the Year’ by the Middlesex County FA, community grassroots club Omonia Youth FC, sponsored by Spector, Constant & Williams, Vas Barbers and V Jewellers have gone one better as they were named the FA & McDonald’s national ‘Club of the Year’ at a star-studded award ceremony held at Wembley Stadium last Saturday.

Writing in the winner’s brochure, the FA’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Bullingham said: “The FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are to recognise people who make a positive difference. It’s our way to celebrate some of the fantastic individuals who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England – and say a huge think you to the incredible number of volunteers who inspire us all.”

The award ceremony took place at Wembley Stadium prior to this season’s annual curtain raiser to the new domestic season, the Community Shield match between Leicester City and Manchester City. The event was attended by a number of football stars including England’s 1966 World Cup final hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst, former Arsenal and England internationals Martin Keown and Rachel Yankey OBE, former Aston Villa and England striker Darius Vassell, former Manchester City and England defender Joleon Lescott and former Manchester United Women’s manager Casey Stoney MBE. In all there were 12 awards celebrated and awarded with Omonia Youth FC picking up the prestigious Grassroots Club of the Year Award.

The club were represented at the event by Chairman Michael Pieri, Vice-Chair and Welfare Officer Myri Demetriou, Club Secretary Evagoras Mandrides and Coach Development Officer David Poncia who had the honour of having Sir Geoff Hurst on their table.

In the winner’s brochure there was a thorough explanation why each winner was worthy of their award with Omonia Youth’s reading: “Pinpointing the importance of their mental wellbeing and safeguarding, the club put together a ‘recovery curriculum’ to encourage compassionate and kind coaching ad ensuring the club supported its players.”

“As a club Omonia Youth works hard to enhance the football experience for children beyond matchday, and they make the most of their social media presence to deliver positive message at every opportunity.”

“Omonia Youth FC are a dynamic and family-driven club that continues to grow and consistently challenges itself to develop and improve.”

Prior to be awarded the trophy on stage, a video was shown detailing why Omonia Youth FC were worthy winners with contributions from coaches, players, parents and from the Middlesex FA.

At half time, all the awards winners were taken pitch side and were presented to the crowd with their trophy along with Sir Geoff Hurst – a lovely moment that was also shown on the stadium’s big screens too. This really is a wonderful honour for the club and Chairman Michael Pieri had this to say: “This really is an incredible tribute to what we try to do as a club, and that is to ensure that the children of our community have a safe, fun, positive and inclusive environment to develop their love of the beautiful game. We are of course delighted to be named club of the year; it is an honour and personally, I feel very humbled. The past 18 months have been so challenging for all, so to be recognised for what we did, to try to keep everyone in the club in a positive frame of mind, is amazing.”

“Growing up as a kid playing at Wembley, scoring a goal at Wembley and lifting the cup at Wembley were dreams. Well, as Omonia Youth FC we got to Wembley, we won an award at Wembley and at half time, I got to fulfil that dream of lifting a trophy at Wembley – dreams really do come true!”

“The award is national recognition of the hard work of so many people – the management committee whose support is unstinting, the trustees, the volunteer coaches, our parents, carers and of course our wonderful players. Thank you to them and thank you to our county FA, Middlesex, for their advice, guidance and support and of course thank you to the national FA judging panel who felt we were worthy of this award. Our ethos of ‘football for all’ is the bedrock of what we do, why we do it and how do it and this award is recognition of that ideal.”

Should you feel enthused and want to know more about Omonia Youth FC, you can contact the club at omoniayouthfootballclub@hotmail.com, via the contact page on the club’s website www.omoniayouthfc.com as well as following the club on twitter @OmoniaYouthFC and Instagram @omoniayouthfc1994.

The Cyprus Rugby National Team – the Mighty Mouflons exiles (which are UK based players) will be visiting Eton Manor Rugby Club for a pre-season friendly THIS Saturday 7th August kick off at 13:00.

This is an opportunity to gather the players to assess their fitness levels and to try out some prospective new players.

Last time Eton Manor put up a very strong side and we’re hoping for a similar test for our boys to come out triumphant!

The Cyprus Rugby National team would welcome you to attend FREE to cheer on our boys, there will be a bar and barbeque for food and refreshments post-match.

Details of the location below:
Eton Manor Rugby Football Club
Nutter Lane
London
Greater London
E11 2JA
020 8532 2946 or visit etonmanorrfc.com

Show your support for Cyprus Rugby Exiles as they take on Eton Manor Rugby Football Club in London this Saturday 7th August at 13:00. #MightyMouflons

Pre Season Friendly Eton Manor V Cyprus Exiles KO 13.00 UK TIME

19-year-old Cos Evangelides was crowned BNBF British Teen Bodybuilding Champion last month.

London-Cypriot Cos is a disciplined and motivated young person with three years training in his choice of sport under his belt.

The BNBF which stands for the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation runs the competition.

Mr Evangelides who is a personal trainer commented on his victory. “[Yesterday] I became the BNBF British Teen Bodybuilding Champion. To me this is a reflection of the endless grind I have out in since I started training 3 years ago. To be the best Teen Bodybuilder in Britain is something I’m struggling to fathom. I want to thank everyone for the amazing supportive messages and congratulations. All I can say is I am absolutely ecstatic (as you can see from my face). I wish to continue on this journey and take it up a peg next year where I will enter the Junior’s category as I’ll be 20 Years old and no longer able to compete as a teen.”

Cos is to represent UK in the World drug free bodybuilding Championships in Miami.

We would like to thank Fivos Averkiou the official photographer for the BNBF for submitting pictures to LGR.

Cos Evangelides crowned British Teen Bodybuilding Champion 2019…

London-Cypriot Nick Parpa wins the Southern Area Cruiserweight title after beating defending champion Daniel Mendes, at a full-house including lots of Cypriot fans at York Hall in Bethnal Green last Saturday.

For Parpa, this was his first attempt at a title. He boasted a record of 8-1 with his only loss being against Czech Republic’s Vasili Ducar in his fifth fight, Parpa’s victory bolsters the young Cypriot’s career going on to fight at even higher level for more illustrious honours.

It was a tough fight for Nick and he went the distance in a 10 round fight versus the defending champion Daniel Mendes from Birmingham but came out with a comfortable and a comprehensive 99-91 points victory.

In a statement from the Goodwin Boxing Facebook page, it said, “It’s Parpa who takes it! Winning 99-91 on the scorecard. More aggressive and pressed the fight from start to finish. Really great fight, Mendes was a worthy Champion but it was Parpa’s night tonight!!”

“Nightmare” Nick Parpa was fighting his tenth professional fight.

Nick Parpa wins his first title…

The Palmers Green boxer on his Facebook Page said he was absolutely thrilled at winning. “WE DID IT!!!! #AND THE NEW SOUTHERN AREA CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION Nick The Nightmareeeeeee PARPAAAAA. I just want to say a MASSIVE thank you to my team, my loyal supporters, family and friends for believing in me and helping me fulfil my dreams, I could not have done it without you all.”

Parpa had thanked his opponent for a formidable game and the work that went behind it, with his coaching network.

“Thank you Daniel Servant Mendes for the opportunity, he put up a great fight and was a worthy champion. We gave the crowd one hell of a fight. Thank you to my manager Steve Goodwin for giving me this opportunity and guiding my career in the right direction, he truly is a great manager and a friend. Thank you to my coach Joshua Burnham for everything and for pushing me every day in the gym helping me maximise my potential. We did it!!! Thank you to Dave Tausz for pushing me every-day also in the gym. He’s a top strength and conditioning coach.”

His Greek-Cypriot dad was proud of his son’s achievement, Sav Parpa said, “I am a proud father my sons the Southern Area Cruiserweight champion!!! Yo Parpa we did it.”

Nick Parpa is expected to find out his next opponent when the summer finishes.

Photographs: Michael Yiakoumi

London-Cypriot born Alex Solomon signs two year scholarship with League Two team Leyton Orient FC has been playing for various academies since 5 years old.

The 16-year-old attends St Andrews the Apostle School in Barnet.

“A big well done and congratulations to one of our own, Year 11 student Alex Solomon who has signed a 2 year scholarship with Leyton Orient! Well done Alex!”, a spokesperson for St Andrews the Apostle School said.

Alex who plays as a Centre back is the son of Dino and Christalla Solomon who are London born and his paternal grandparents are from Ayios Athanassi, Limassol and his maternal grandparents from Famagusta.

Barnet FC’s London Cypriot Antonis Vasiliou has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The young Cypriot midfielder joined the club’s academy at a young age and has gone onto to make two appearances from the bench for the Bees first team, all of which came in April 2019.

The Bees academy graduate was delighted to agree his first professional deal.

He said: “I’m really happy, I am really glad to sign, it feels like it’s been a long time coming and I am looking forward to starting the new season.

“The club has given me a few opportunities to express myself and I feel like I have learned a lot over the past few years.”

“I have been working hard in the off-season and I can’t wait to meet up with the boys again. I’m raring to go.”

Darren Currie, who has seen Vasiliou progress through the Academy, was full of praise for the Barnet youngster.

He said: “Antonis is a wonderful player with a box of tricks; we think very highly of him.

“He’s clearly showed huge potential in the youth team last season and earned one or two opportunities to train with the first team and he lived up to expectation.

“He did very well when he was given the opportunity toward the back end of last season and we’re delighted to agree a deal with him today.

“He’s got a big future in the game.”

The 18-year-old will join up with Darren Currie and the rest of the first team squad for pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

Greece drawn in Group J with Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Armenia, and Liechtenstein.

The Euro 2004 winners will face Italy for the first time after 37 years, as well as Bosnia-Herzegovina (with which it shared the same World Cup 2018 group), Finland (that won the Nations League group Greece finished third in last month), Armenia and Liechtenstein.

The round-robin mini league begins on March 11-13, 2019 and concludes in November 2019.

“We have to do our best. We owe it to the Greek fans to rise to the level of the successful times the national team had in previous years,” stated new manager Angelos Anastasiadis after the draw.

“I believe in these lads, otherwise I would not have been here. There are no easy opponents, everything depends on the situation we will be in. We need to rise to the occasion and be in our best possible condition, so that we can fight for qualification,” added the experienced coach.

To celebrate the tournament’s 60-year anniversary, Euro 2020 will take place in 12 different cities, stretching from Bilbao in Spain to Baku in Azerbaijan, with the final to be held at Wembley.

The top two teams from each group qualify automatically but, unlike in previous tournaments, the play-offs to decide the four other spots will be contested between the most successful teams from the four divisions of the Nations League, who have not already qualified.

GREECE vs Croatia for World Cup Playoff First-Leg in Zagreb tonight, 7:45 pm kick-off UK time. Euro 2004 champions are only hours away from the first match at Stadion Maksimir looking to continue their perfect record in World Cup play-offs.

Greece, who finished behind Belgium in Group H, are hoping that captain Vasilis Torosidis and central defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos are fit.

Kostas Manolas is suspended for the first leg due to a fair play violation.

Michael Skibbe the German coach has compensated by calling up two additional defenders: Panathinaikos’ Dimitris Kolovetsios and SPAL’s Marios Oikonomou.

The second leg in Athens is on Sunday 12th November and we will all know by then whether the Greek colours will be a feature at the World Cup next summer.

Greece World Cup Playoff Squad

Goalkeepers: Orestis Karnezis, Stefanos Kapino, Giannis Anestis

Defenders: Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Kostas Manolas, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Vassilis Torosidis, Kostas Stafylidis, Marios Oikonomou, Dimitris Kolovetsios, Georgios Tzavellas, Panagiotis Retsos, Charalampos Lykogiannis

Midfielders: Andreas Samaris, Panagiotis Tachtsidis, Giannis Maniatis, Zeca, Alexandros Tziolis, Dimitrios Kourmpelis, Kostas Fortounis, Dimitris Pelkas, Anastasios Bakasetas, Lazaros Christodoulopoulos

Forwards: Kostas Mitroglou, Dimitrios Diamantakos, Giannis Gianniotas, Apostolos Vellios