By Belinda Nolan
JOHN LIOUPAS has never been an athlete, but is dreaming of the Olympics.
The Sydenham resident is among hundreds of hopefuls who have registered to take part in the Pan Hellenic Games, an Olympic-style tournament which will be held in Melbourne next month.
Although Mr Lioupas was once an avid soccer player, it was only when he hung up his playing boots that he discovered his true passion.
He has been volunteering as a women’s soccer coach for more than 20 years.
Although he works full-time, Mr Lioupas spends much of his spare hours volunteering in the Greek community.
He has been on the board of the Greek Orthodox Community of Victoria for the past three years and has forged strong ties with Brimbank’s thriving ethnic community.
Mr Lioupas is hoping his skill as a coach, combined with his strong Greek background, will earn him a position as coach in the Pan Hellenic games.
“Coaching is definitely one of my passions,” Mr Lioupas said.
“I don’t get paid for what I do; I just do it because I enjoy it.
“If no-one volunteered, there’s a lot that just wouldn’t get done.”
The Pan Hellenic Games is open for athletes of Greek descent and will feature soccer, basketball, tennis, water polo, track and field events, taekwando, judo and wrestling.
The event will be held from 27-29 November at Albert Park.
For more information visit www.saeoceania.org.au.
