NO. 133
Sports Panel Presentation guest, ESPN analyst, Michael Wilbon
WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted its 17th Annual Golf Classic at Belle Haven Country Club, Alexandria, Va., Oct. 19, 2020. Sixty golfers participated. Special guest Michael Wilbon, ESPN analyst and Pardon the Interruption co-host, led the Sports Presentation and Q&A. The Tournament Sponsor was Calamos Investments, represented by Senior Wealth Advisor Paris Karasso and Chief of Staff Yannis Sianis. Peter Bota served as Tournament Chairman.
“Now in its seventeenth year, the annual AHI Golf Classic has become a wonderful event for colleagues and friends to gather in friendly competition and to enjoy a thought-provoking discussion about the sports industry,” President Nick Larigakis said. “We are grateful to our organizers, generous sponsors, and golfers who took the time to support AHI. We are thankful to have been able to hold this event amid the challenges faced and presented by COVID-19.”
The team of: Tom Mavrikes, Mario Marinucci, Gus Scilaris, and Taso Scilaris captured first-place honors. Matt Jenkins, Rob Keith, Tim Olsen, and Rodney Stanley teamed-up to place second. The third-place team included: John Brazer, Tommy Greene, Nick Larigakis, and Dickie Noles. In the men’s competition, Rodney Stanley earned Closest-to-the-Pin honors (four feet) and Taso Scilaris won the Longest Drive. In the women’s competition, Closest-to-the-Pin honors (17’6”) and Longest Drive both went to Kay Tyler.
Larigakis added, “We especially appreciate the support of tournament sponsor, Calamos Investments, under the leadership of Chairman and Global CIO John Calamos, because without their support, our tournament could not be a success. Also, we are grateful for the participation of our speaker, Michael Wilbon, who took the time from his busy schedule to present an enjoyable panel discussion.”
In addition, Larigakis expressed appreciation to Tournament Chair Peter Bota.
VIP participants this year included: Tommy Greene, former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher who pitched a no-hitter, Dickie Noles, former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, who also played for the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and the Baltimore Orioles; and Reince Priebus, former Chief of Staff for President Donald J. Trump. Also, the Embassy of Greece’s Defense Attaché Col. Vasileios Lampropoulos and Naval Attaché Capt. Propkopis Charitos, represented the embassy.
Additional sponsors included: Breakfast Sponsors – Astra Foods and Sigmapharm Laboratories, LLC. Hole Sponsors – Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP; Circle Management Company; Courembis Companies; Capital Hilton; TextABCD; James H. Lagos Company, Inc.; LaMer Beachfront Inn; McLean Hilton; Metro29; National Hellenic Society; USL Financials Inc.; and Vasili’s Kitchen. Registration Sponsor – Market Development Group. Golf Cart Sponsors – Dr. George Tsetsekos and Nostos Greek Cuisine.