Olympiacos supports the International Childhood Cancer Day
In a packed Hall 5 of the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF) on Sunday 15/2, the Olympiacos Academy and the Olympiacos Veterans Basketball Players Association joined forces in collaboration with the charitable association “The Sun Will Shine Again – Alexandros” and with the support of Olympiacos BC, on the occasion of the International Childhood Cancer Day.
The Olympiacos organization, once again a pioneer in matters of social responsibility, stood by this special day by organizing a friendly game with no winners or losers. Olympiacos veteran basketball players, together with athletes from the Olympiacos BC Academy, competed against one another, conveying messages of hope and strength to all children fighting their own unique battle in pediatric oncology hospitals across the country.
This important charitable event began with a brief address by the Director of the Olympiacos BC Academy, Mr. Achilleas Demenagas, who referred to all those who contributed to making the event possible. In closing, he warmly thanked the crowd for their strong and moving presence on such a special day, supporting its charitable cause.
He was followed by the President of the association “The Sun Will Shine Again – Alexandros,” Ms. Matina Kyriakou, who sincerely thanked the Olympiacos BC Academy, Olympiacos BC, and the Olympiacos Veterans Basketball Players Association for their contribution to the organization of the event. Inviting young Nikolas to stand by her side, she spoke about the association’s remarkable charitable work.
The crowd became emotionally charged as a special video dedicated to Alexandros was shown at center court; a child who loved basketball in the purest way and who stands as a symbol of strength for all children fighting their own battle against childhood cancer in hospitals throughout the country.
Next, the iconic Olympiacos legend Argyris Kambouris, representing the Veterans Association, first addressed the young athletes, emphasizing the values of fair play and sportsmanship. In his brief speech, he also sent his own message to the audience; that pain can be transformed into strength for offering and can give hope to our fellow human beings.
The friendly game that followed, featuring Olympiacos veteran players and athletes of the Olympiacos BC Academy, added a special color to the event. The competitive spirit of the participants sparked feelings of joy and excitement among the hundreds of young spectators and the fans who attended in large numbers. At halftime, a series of honorary awards took place.
First, the Olympiacos Veterans Basketball Players honored Ms. Matina Kyriakou, President of the charitable association “The Sun Will Shine Again – Alexandros,” for her remarkable humanitarian work and her selfless contribution to the fight against childhood cancer.
In turn, Ms. Kyriakou presented awards to Makis Katsafados, Panagiotis Fassoulas, and Giorgos Printezis, who have each written their own history wearing the red & white colors of Olympiacos. She also presented a commemorative plaque to former Olympiacos player Theodoros Papaloukas, praising his warm support of the association’s initiatives.
The award ceremony concluded with Mr. Achilleas Demenagas and Argyris Kambouris receiving honorary plaques from Ms. Kyriakou.
The event wrapped up with all participants in this special game receiving Alexandros’ Medal of Honor at center court, sending an emotional 'red & white' message of hope and strength against childhood cancer.
Watch everything that happened in the VIDEO below.