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Greeks Beam with Pride for Giannis Antetokounmpo Supreme President George G. Horiates has issued the following statement: “Today, Greeks from around the world are beaming with pride. We congratulate Giannis Antetokounmpo for a dominant performance to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to the team’s first NBA Championship in 50 years, earning well-deserved NBA Finals MVP honors and joining elite NBA company. “Giannis’s story from humble beginnings is the story of our immigrant forebears. He embodies the fulfillment of the American Dream in the 21st century. “At 26, he has become a global superstar and role model. The sky is the limit for him. We wish Giannis continued success on and off the court.” Antetokounmpo is a two-time recipient of the prestigious AHEPA Harry Agganis Most Outstanding Athlete Award. (Pictured receiving his first Agganis Award from AHEPA National Athletics Department Selection Committee Chairman Greg Stamos.) In 2013, AHEPA condemned a racial slur directed at Antetokounmpo by the then-leader of Greece’s Golden Dawn party soon after the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick. # # #Watch a 2019 Associated Press report titled “Milwaukee Greeks rally behind Bucks’ Antetokounmpo” that includes interviews of AHEPA Milwaukee Chapter 43‘s President and Athletic Director.Founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, on the principles that undergirded its fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe. AHEPA’s mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism. |