The first International Futsal Hellas Dimitri Nicolaou's tournament was something unforgettable for all people who have loved and appreciated Dimitri Nicolaou, as we did (and do).

A huge presence of friends was there in his memory, to celebrate their mate in so many years of futsal and life. The Dimitri Nicolaou's day was an absolute successful event due to the impressive work of his family and closest friends, who worked hard to arrange its first edition: Futsalplanet.com wish to thank all of them.

Our staff, as announced in Athens by Mico Martic, has also decided to entitle the Futsalplanet Awards 2007 - Best National Team Coach Category to the memory of Dimitri. A little thing but a huge honour to us.

As also mentioned below by Yannis Mostrios the Dimitri's day will be improved since the next season, with the project to organize a Four Nations Cup: we will do our best in order to organize something worthy of Dimitri's person! We will keep up your work friend!

Also, we will put up for auction one of the Dimitri's shirt used in the tournament: the money gained from the auction winner will help the 2nd edition organization.

Many thanks to Yannis Mostrios (report) and Costas Chryssafis (pictures) for their support in celebrating Dimitri through the Futsalplanet pages.



Report by Yannis Mostrios

ATHENS, GREECE

The 1st international FUTSAL HELLAS DIMITRI NICOLAOU tournament was held on Wednesday, June 27th, at the sports center of DAIS in Marousi.

The event was staged by a group of close friends of Dimitri Nicolaou who formed an organization which will continue his work and keep his memory alive.

More than 400 people attended the 3-hour event which featured a touching auditorium presentation of Dimitri's life and speeches by the general secretary of the Hellenic Football Federation Dr Ioannis Economides, Kostas Doukas from Doukas School, and Mico Martic.

The event concluded with a friendly match between the Greek National Team and an All-Star selection (captain was Mico Martic). For the record the game was tied 5-5.

As announced by Mico Martic the yearly award of coach of the year will be named after Dimitri Nicolaou to salute his contribution to the sport.

The tournament looks to upgrade next year and will feature a seminar and a 4-nation cup that will be played annually.

Thank you to all those who contributed to the success of this event and all those who have expressed their sympathy from all over the world. We look forward to see you next year.

























Posted by the Futsalplanet friends of Dimitri