The Battle of Sydney: A Huge Success For All

From Sydney FC?s point of view, they faced what was one of their toughest hit-outs in this year?s pre-season campaign. Only a fortunate goal gave the A-League outfit the slenderest of victories and maintain their unbeaten run thus far.
Off the field, Sydney Olympic also put on a professional performance which was noticed by Sydney FC players and officials, meeting all operational requirements and expectations, prompting the Sydney FC hierarchy to suggest the match should become an annual event. A sentiment completely shared by all involved in Olympic.
The largest crowd since Olympic?s days in the NSL was on hand to witness a Football Fiesta which commenced at midday and finished 7.5 hours later. Over five and a half thousand fans enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere which was created by the combination of four highly entertaining games with plenty of goals, the salivating smells of the BBQ drifting across the stadium, the Red Bull promotional girls, raffles, merchandise stalls, 1960s Panhellenic legend John Karyannis kicking off the legends match and of course the fantastic weather. 
The only sombre moments were the minute silences before the kick off to the legends game and the main game for former director and lifetime Sydney Olympic supporter Paul Bertuzzi who would have been proud of his Club watching from above. May he rest in peace.
The board of Sydney Olympic would like to thank all those who made yesterday a huge success including: Sydney FC players, coaches and officials, Sydney Olympic players and coaches, the Australian National Deaf team, the Legends (especially Peter Katholos for organising), the Supporters Committee (Peter S, Peter A, Peter K, Parry H, Parry L, Stergios, Paul, Manoli), the boys at the BBQ (George, Jim, Steve, Angelo, etc), the Sydney Olympic juniors who assisted in operations including ball boys, Bernie Henderson (Under 13s manager), Belmore Hercules, MPS security, and the wives and families of directors who helped in the corporate area and in other areas of operation.
The board would also like to thank Supreme Souvlakia from Belmore and George?s Providores for donating the lamb souvlakia and onions respectively as well as Hellenic Bakery and perennial sponsors M&J Chickens for giving a great deal on the bread and Chicken souvlakia respectively.

-Sydney Olympic Press Release