Panathinaikos Visit Greek Centre and Consulate Ahead of KK Partizan Clash

The Panathinaikos visit Greek Centre and Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne showcased the strong ties between Greek sports and the diaspora. On September 17, 2025, EuroLeague giants Panathinaikos B.C. (PAO) toured both the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) Greek Centre and the Consulate General, meeting Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou.

These visits, ahead of their clash with KK Partizan on September 18 at John Cain Arena, highlight basketball’s role in uniting communities and celebrating Greek heritage.

Panathinaikos Visit Greek Centre: A Warm Welcome

The Panathinaikos delegation, led by Ms. Despoina Giannakopoulou, a board member of the Pavlos D. Giannakopoulos Foundation and mother of owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos, included President Vassilis Parthenopoulos and players Nikos Rogkavopoulos and Jerian Grant. GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou, and board members Chris Sikavitsas and Sophia Siachou greeted them. The group explored the Centre’s educational programs for over 2,000 students, as well as its cultural events, including the Antipodes Festival. Additionally, they discussed sporting ties, reinforcing diaspora connections.

_{Photo One L/R Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou / Panathinaikos president Vassilis Parthenopoulos / Board Member Chris Sikavitsas / GCM president Bill Papastergiadis / Despoina Giannakopoulou / Victorian Council for Greek National Day head Sophia Siachos.}

Visit to Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne

Following the Greek Centre, the delegation visited the Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne, where they met Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou. Ms Georgantzoglou highlighted the significance of Panathinaikos’ presence, noting how such visits inspire the Greek Australian community. The consulate meeting reinforced the team’s role as cultural ambassadors, connecting Greece with its diaspora through basketball and shared heritage.

Photos from the visit to the office of the Consulate General of Greece in Melbourne.

Quotes from the Panathinaikos Visit to the Greek Centre

Bill Papastergiadis expressed pride in hosting the team. "It is a great honor to host the Panathinaikos visit Greek Centre event," he said. Moreover, he noted, "This visit celebrates basketball and the enduring connection between Greece and Melbourne’s vibrant community." He continued,

"Sport has a unique way of uniting people across generations and continents."

Despoina Giannakopoulou shared her gratitude, saying she was touched by the warm response and congratulated Papastergiadis for the GCM’s work. Vassilis Parthenopoulos emphasized family values, stating,

Panathinaikos follows the principles of its founder, Pavlos Giannakopoulos, with family at the core.

Furthermore, he thanked the GCM for the warm welcome, adding, "We are thrilled to connect with the Greek Australian community through this Panathinaikos visit." Players like Jerian Grant appreciated the cultural immersion, strengthening global Greek bonds.

Cultural Impact of Panathinaikos in Melbourne

The Panathinaikos visit Greek Centre underscores basketball’s role in cultural exchange. As a seven-time EuroLeague champion, Panathinaikos brings prestige to the game. Melbourne, home to over 200,000 Greek Australians, thrives on such events. Consequently, young diaspora members find inspiration in these stars. For instance, the GCM, founded in 1897, supports this through advocacy and events. Papastergiadis noted, "We hope this Panathinaikos visit inspires youth and reinforces Greek identity in Melbourne."

Previewing the Panathinaikos vs KK Partizan Game

Tomorrow, Panathinaikos faces KK Partizan at John Cain Arena in the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament’s Australian debut. Featuring stars like Kendrick Nunn, the team is ready for a thrilling matchup. Partizan, a Serbian powerhouse, ensures intense competition. Tickets start at $49 for the 7:30 PM game. Additionally, the tournament continues in Sydney with NBL teams, such as the Sydney Kings. Thus, this visit to Melbourne sets an exciting tone for the basketball team.

Community Engagement During Panathinaikos Visit

Beyond the Greek Centre event, Panathinaikos was widely engaged. Players made souvlaki at Stalactites, connecting through food. Additionally, an open training session at Courtside Melbourne featured NBA star Josh Giddey, who praised the team’s intensity. Schools like St John’s College and the AGAPI Care Basketball Team met players, creating memorable moments. Moreover, an NBL welcome dinner fostered unity.

Greek Community Strengthened by Basketball Visit

Melbourne’s Greek community thrives thanks to GCM’s dedication. The Panathinaikos visit to the Greek Centre highlights its role as a cultural hub, with Consul General Georgantzoglou stressing the visit’s significance in inspiring the youth. Fans can also enjoy "A Journey to the Stars" at the 30th Greek Film Festival, celebrating Panathinaikos’ rich legacy.

The GCM's contributions truly stand out. Established in 1897, it champions the community while hosting educational and cultural initiatives. This visit reflects ongoing connections, such as previous events involving Greek teams. It also emphasizes how sports bring people together, as Papastergiadis pointed out.

We hope this visit will inspire our youth and reinforce the pride we feel in our Greek identity here in Melbourne.

Photo Gallery of St John’s College and AGAPI Care with the Basketball Team

All Photos Copyright Con Deves