The New Year’s Pita Cutting Ceremony of the Deree College Athletic Club was held with outstanding success on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of Deree – The American College of Greece, welcoming more than 1,500 attendees and powerfully reaffirming the strength, unity, and spirit of our athletic family.
The event was a true celebration of sport, effort, and the core values upheld by the club, highlighted by the presence of Voula Patoulidou, Greece’s first female Olympic Gold Medalist, as the Guest of Honor. Through her authentic and inspirational speech, she deeply moved athletes, parents, and coaches alike, delivering a powerful life message and athletic mindset:
“Never even think about giving up.”
During the ceremony, athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 were honored in recognition of their dedication, consistency, and achievements. At the same time, all children of the Deree Sports Academy received a certificate of participation and a medal, reinforcing a sense of belonging, pride, and motivation for the future.
As always, special excitement was generated by the grand prize draw, featuring generous offers from our sponsors: iStorm (one Apple MacBook Air), Hisense (one 65” 4K Smart TV), Sony–PlayStation Greece (one PS5 Digital Edition with BD), and KALOS TFM (five tablets), much to the delight of those in attendance.
The impressive turnout, the exceptional atmosphere, the flawless organization, and the strong messages conveyed throughout the event made this year’s DCAC New Year’s celebration one of the most successful events of recent years.
The Deree College Athletic Club continues forward with vision, consistency, and unwavering faith in the values of sport, investing in children, athletes, and the future.
Happy New Year to all, with health and success!
