Stavros Ithaca Greece - Newly turfed football ground

It's been a long time coming for the north Ithacan football ground to be covered with turf, but with Ithaki Mayor, Dionisis Stanitsas on the case, the made-over newly turfed ground was opened with a ceremony to rival all ceremonies yesterday. Football players from over the decades dressed in their gear, honouring this ground, which had been generously donated by Nikos A Raftopoulos-Pasa many years ago. The Papades from Kioni and Vathy came to bless the ground and all who play on it and then the various members of the prefecture and football community gave their speeches, all praising the efforts of Mr. Stanitsas.

It's hard to imagine how young and old players managed to stay uninjured with the gravel ground football had been played here since it was made into the home ground for Odysseas Football Team, Ithaca's northern team. The new fake turf doesn't need watering and if it gets damaged, can have the piece that is damaged, easily replaced. It's an ideal situation for a large piece of earth of our island of Ithaca. Not being a football fan myself, it was a huge surprise to see the turnout for this opening. Cars parked from the edge of Stavros long passed the turn off to the football ground. It was a big and happy celebration for Ithaki's community.

Opening of the newly turfed football ground in Stavros Sunday 12th August 2018