Quote:
Originally posted by CASIGKAP
I recently read an article either in the ESPN magazine or the Sports Illustrated. It basically stated that they were against this b/c the people trying out for the Greek baseball/softball teams have some Greek ancestry but it's pretty far removed & that Greece is only doing this to try to win a medal in a sport they do not play. Also, these "temporary" Greeks do not know the language or the culture or even the national anthem for the country they are competing for. The most of Greek culture that they know is based on movies like "Zorba the Greek" & "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
It was an interesting article to say the least. I didn't know that you could do this kind of thing.
However, good-luck to your cousin. The Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity so may she enjoy & make the most of it.
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I disagree. The tryout process for the Greek teams has been going on for over two years. My cousin had to go through a rigorous screening process to prove her Greek descent--even having to go so far as travelling to Greece to locate birth and baptismal certificates for her grandparents. We spent several afternoons at the Greek Consulate here in Los Angeles filling out paperwork. I am sure that the process was similar for everyone else. I don't believe that they would pick up completely arbitrary people just to win a medal.
And while I cannot speak for everyone on the Greek baseball and softball teams, I can assure you that my cousin is not a "temporary" Greek. She is one-half Greek, and speaks, reads and writes the language. She knows the customs and the culture very well, and I know that she is very proud to be representing Greece. Having it in Athens just makes it even more special. If there are "temporary" Greeks, as you put it, perhaps this experience will encourage them to learn more about the rich heritage they can call their own.
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