The 2011 "Phidippides Award" of the New York based Hellenic Public Radio-Cosmos FM was presented to Theodore D. Spyropoulos, the SAE USA Region Coordinator, a distinguished community and business leader, philanthropist and a Hellenic education advocate, at the organization’s annual lavish gala.
On behalf of Cosmos FM, Board member Manolis Velivasakis spoke about the "long national, charitable and social contribution" of the honoree. "The Phidippides Award is presented to individuals who contribute to the dissemination and preservation of Hellenism with distinction on an international level. Theodore Spyropoulos is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding figures of Hellenism, and his course coincides with the history of the organized Diaspora," stressed Mr. Velivasakis, noting that "since the 70's, he effortlessly continues his constant contribution to our national affairs, Greek-language education and several Diaspora issues and at the same time develops significant environmental action in Greece, while through his charitable activities, he has helped many of our compatriots.”
Mr. Velivasakis also pointed out that "Cosmos FM contributes to objective enlightenment and entertainment of the Greek-American community and constitutes an oasis in the mass media, because it has no agenda and commercial advertising. It presents facts and developments with validity and integrity."
Mr. Spyropoulos, accepting the award, noted that "the crisis in Greece is a reflection of a broader crisis of institutions and socio-economic structures that do not serve the people anymore. Greece is experiencing the pain of the birth of a new reality, in the formation of which we, as Greeks abroad, have a duty to contribute on the basis of the common good."
The presentation of the award was held during the annual gala diner of the radio station, and it was attended, among others, by the Consul General of Greece, Aghi Balta, and Consul General of Cyprus, Koula Sophianou, state and local officials, and several Greek-American businessmen and members of Diaspora bodies.
"Cosmos FM" broadcasts for 24 consecutive years on a daily basis with bilingual programming, produced solely by volunteer/producers, via the municipal radio station WNYE in New York. It's a family of distinguished volunteers (businessmen, doctors, teachers, professors, lawyers, journalists, men of the cloth and common folk as well) that have as their main motivation the love and dedication to Hellenic Culture and Heritage.
