The one-century anniversary of AEK’s history was celebrated as it deserved in a huge yellow and black party at OPAP ARENA. Thousands of fans gathered in the grounds around the stadium early in the afternoon and lived this great day until late in the afternoon, when they saw for the first time, through the stands, the balloon with the 100-year logo.
It is the balloon that will fly in the coming months in the Greek skies and will be the focus of AEK’s centenary celebrations. Unfortunately, the strong winds blowing in Attica this afternoon, did not allow his full flight, as originally planned. However, he took to the skies of the OPAP ARENA in a captive flight, which the spectators enjoyed
New Philadelphia put on their festive decorations for AEK’s birthday. A yellow-black river flooded our beloved neighborhood and enjoyed the events outside the stadium.
Friends, groups and families gathered in… well-known haunts, sang favorite songs and slogans, met the great aces of the past and remembered their moments from their lives near AEK. Young and old enjoyed the DJ program, got painted in yellow and black at the face painting station at the OPAP stand and played with the inflatable targets and football darts.
But it wasn’t just a celebration. This day was also an opportunity for social awareness through the actions of the Urban Non-Profit Company (AMKE) IASIS at its two stations at the event site.
The doors were opened around 4pm and the balloon was already in the center. A little later the inflation process began and at 6.20 pm, when it was almost complete, the sight was unique. The emotions of the fans who did not stop singing and shouting slogans were also unique, thus making a good… preparation for the fight with Aris.
The event began with the rendition of the National Anthem by the internationally awarded Philharmonic of the Municipality of Loutraki, which gave a special brilliance with the strides it performed. The video message of Dimitris Melissanidis for the jubilee of the club, which was shown on the matrixes, it caused excitement, but also emotion! Immediately after, Matias Almeida and the entire AEK team symbolically blew out the candles on the 100-year-old cake in the VIP platform.
A little later, the coach of the team, as well as the captain of the team Steven Zuber, took the microphone and wished AEK a happy birthday. Petros Mandalos followed, at the people’s request, and then AEK’s Athletic Director Bruno Alves and AEK’s Eternal Ambassador Thomas Mavros spoke to the crowd.
At 7.15 pm the hot air balloon rose for about 20 meters, without disconnecting from the ground, offering an impressive sight, while this low flight was accompanied by the equally impressive aerial dance of the beautiful Fiona. At the same time, 21 yellow and black balloons rose into the sky of New Philadelphia.
This was the climax of the great feast. It was the impressive end of a day full of emotions, emotion, memories, dreams, joy and hope. The century passed and it was magical, The next one will be even more beautiful and AEK begins it with the best conditions, having returned to its home!
Happy birthday AEK!
100 years together … and it’s only the beginning!