Aris Patikas, President of the Canterbury League Backgammon Club, was just a 7-year-old boy watching his uncles play when he fell in love with the game too.
That was over 70 years ago – his passion for the ancient game of backgammon has not diminished and the sprightly senior can still be seen playing against other club members when they meet up for games and tournaments.
“I will play backgammon forever – in the end they will throw a backgammon board in my grave!” said Aris.
The Canterbury League Backgammon Club, founded by Aris in 2010, meets twice a week every Thursday at The Lakemba Club and every Friday at Belfield RSL at 6pm. New members are always welcomed and Aris is happy to teach beginners how to play the game.
“We currently have 14 members from different backgrounds; we welcome everyone. It doesn’t cost anything to join and at the end of the year we hold a presentation with trophies, prizes and have a lot of fun with our families.”
Anyone wishing to join Aris for a game of backgammon can contact him on 0403 000 910.
