35th Annual Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Jr. Olympics
A Weekend of Christian Athletic Fellowship
On May 27-29, nearly two thousand youngsters representing, thirty-six parishes, ages 7-18 participated in the 35th annual Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics. Parishes from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota were all represented during this joyous event of Christian Athletic Fellowship.
The Junior Olympics were hosted, once again, by the community of SS. Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills, Illinois. With the assistance of over 100 volunteers, the 35th annual Junior Olympics was another success. Glory be to God!
The Opening Ceremonies were held early on May 27th and God truly shined brightly in the spirit of the participants and spectators gathered. It was a fabulous sight to see all 36 parish teams enter the field proudly holding their colors and sharing in the spirit of Christian fellowship and competition. His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago officially began the Olympics with prayer and his blessings and was present the whole weekend to witness the athletic fellowship of all the participants. The action packed ceremonies featured many of the traditions of the ancient Olympic Games and concluded with the lighting of the torch.
Participants competed in many different sports on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including basketball, volleyball, swimming, soccer, tennis, softball, track and field, 10K run, chess, checkers, backgammon, bowling, table tennis and more. Approximately eight hundred medals were awarded.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy celebrated on Sunday the announcing of the winners of the Olympic scholarships took place which saw four very worthy young people, namely of Elizabeth Haris of SS. Constantine and Helen, Wauwatosa, WI, Erini Collaros of SS. Constantine and Helen, Merrillville, IN, Constantine Vessol of SS. Constantine and Helen, Palos Hills, IL and Jenna Cardaras of St. Nectarios Church, Palatine, IL who each received $500.00 scholarships. AHEPA Chapter 260 also awarded the Peter Economos Memorial Scholarship to 10 young people in High School and College in honor of Peter Economos who was one of the founding directors of the Junior Olympics.
Planning for the 36th Annual Junior Olympics will begin towards the early portion of 2017. For more information regarding the Metropolis of Chicago Junior Olympics, contact your local Greek Orthodox Parish or Rev. Dn. Chris Avramopoulos, Director of Registration at 312-337-4130 or Rev. Fr. Tom De Medeiros, Director of Publicity and Volunteers, Mr. Jim Stavrou, Director of Operations, at 708-974-3400. Also visit us on the web at www.stconstantinehelen.org/jrolympics.html for picture galleries and more information. SS. Constantine and Helen Church is located at 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, Illinois.
