"I started practising judo around 1965 in Greece. I always loved all sports but judo was special and always attracted and interested me. There were several clubs close to the house. The nearest one was 500m away, the farthest 3km away. I chose the latter and went there on foot.
I quickly realised that judo was a complete sport that allowed me to develop the entire body. There are 206 bones and 570 muscles in the human body; judo allows you to develop them all equally. It's pretty incredible when you think about it. Beyond that, judo also allows you how to improve the mind and learn useful values on a daily basis. We also learn technique to the right and left. What other activity offers so many possibilities?
Even today I practise it twice a week. Last year I went to the dojo 4 times a week but a little back pain made me slow down a little. I really like watching judo. There is always something to learn. It makes me smile when other people say, 'Look, he's still doing judo.'
My children also do judo. All sports are important for health. Beyond physical exercise, there are also the friendships that we can build in judo. We grow a little more each time we step on the tatami. I also like all the respect there is around us. We bow before getting on the tatami, we bow to our partner before and after the contest, whatever the result.
I truly believe that judo is not a place where you fight but really a place where you learn.
I was an aeronautical engineer but my free time was devoted to judo and its development. I am very happy to have contributed to the development of women's practice. In my country, I was the first to invite women on to the tatami. I also participated in the writing of the rules of judo in Greece. I coached a lot and I'm still happy to share my experience. I'm a low profile person; I don't like to show off but I am happy to share, always.
Today I am here in Abu Dhabi and it is a real pleasure to be surrounded by so many friends."