The Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township kicked off their Boys and Girls Basketball season at their home gym in September.

The youth are dedicating their season to the loving memory of Dr. Spiros A. Malaspina, a committed member of Holy Trinity. Spiros was Parish Council president for seven years, and was an important leader in the building of the Holy Trinity Community Center. Spiros was also devoted to quality education and this was evident in his role as a former president of the Mullica Township School District, where he served with enthusiasm. Spiros passed away on September 1st following a seven-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

The Basketball team members, which include Spiros’s son, Alexander Spiros Malaspina, have added specially embroidered patches to the jerseys of their uniforms in order to honor Spiros and to create awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.  These patches have Spiros’ initials over an orange ribbon, the symbol for Multiple Sclerosis awareness. In added recognition of this dedication, all community members attending the games will also wear orange.

The Holy Trinity Community Center, opened in April 2007, is home to the Trinity Learning Center Pre-School and Kindergarten, where Spiros served on the Board of Directors. The Center also hosts Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Boy and Girl Scout Meetings, overnight camps for disabled children (WAVE Camp), serves as a polling station for elections, and provides greatly needed space for the many ministries and programs of the parish. Spiros represented Holy Trinity Parish at the 300th Anniversary of Egg Harbor Township in 2010, which was held in the Center’s gymnasium.

Spiros has had, and continues to have, such a profoundly positive impact on our community. Holy Trinity had scheduled a Dedication Ceremony on Sunday, September 28, 2014, for the naming of the Spiros Alexander Malaspina Community Center in his honor. The dedication has been postponed to a future date.

Future home basketball games are scheduled for:

Sunday, November 2 at 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 16 at 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm

For further information please contact Parish Priest Father George Liacopulos.