EMOTION
AND UNITY AT SOHORA – THE PLAYERS’ MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT IRAKLIS MANOUKARAKIS
A deeply
emotional afternoon unfolded at the Sohora stadium before kickoff of the REA –
Odysseas Moschato match. Following recent developments that led AO REA
president Iraklis Manoukarakis to decide to step away from the Women’s First
Division, the entire REA family wished to send its own message of support and
love to him.
The decision caused sadness and strong emotion throughout
the organization, as he is the person who first envisioned the creation and
establishment of REA in the top division, as well as the dynamic development of
the club’s Academy. A man who stood practically and consistently by the team,
investing time, heart, and personal resources for the progress of women’s
football in Rethymno and beyond.
Shortly before the match began, a young academy player’s
voice was heard over the stadium speakers reading a moving message on behalf of
all AO REA athletes. Her words sent chills through the stands and across the
pitch, conveying the most genuine and pure feelings of love and appreciation.
At the same time, all the club’s children, the coaching
staff, the Women’s team players, and the employees gathered at the center of
the Sohora field holding a banner that read:
“*You are the President,
You are our strength,
You are the one we want here,
Walking beside us*!”
The message was clear: unwavering faith and support for the
man who is the pillar of this effort.
The team’s important victory over Odysseas Moschato was
dedicated by everyone to the president—a symbolic yet meaningful gesture of
recognition and gratitude for everything he has offered to REA and to women’s
football.
This moment proved that REA is not just a team. It is a
family. A group of people who share the same vision, the same values, and the
same belief in the future of women’s football.
THIS VOICE, THESE WORDS, ARE THE GREATEST WEAPON AGAINST ANY
ATTEMPT TO UNDERMINE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL. THEY ARE THE STRONGEST RESPONSE TO THOSE
WHO TRY TO TRANSFER PRACTICES AND MENTALITIES FROM OTHER ERAS AND OTHER PLACES
INTO A SPORT THAT DESERVES INTEGRITY, RESPECT, AND TRUE DEVELOPMENT.
The message that was read:
“President,
I don’t know many big words. I am only ten years old.
But I know how I feel.
*When I come to the field and wear my jersey, I feel
proud. I feel that I belong somewhere. And that ‘somewhere’ was built by you
too.*
*You taught us that we don’t play only to win. We play
with ethics.
With dignity. With courage.*
*You taught us to get back up when we fall. And now I’m
afraid…*
Because if you leave, who will show us the way?
You say you were treated unfairly.
*I don’t understand why grown-ups are unfair to those who
try.*
*But I know this: if you leave, it won’t be like just a
president is leaving.*
It will be like someone who believed in us is leaving.
Please don’t give up.
*I may be little, but I know that when someone fights the
right way, in the end they win.*
*And even if they don’t win on the scoreboard, they win in
hearts.*
And you have already won mine.
Stay.
For us.
For the girls who dream.
Because if you leave, something will fade.
And we want to keep shining.
*With love,
A girl who believes in you*.”
