Hackett talks to the kids

Wednesday morning (April 5), Daniel Hackett went to the Peace and Friendship Stadium for two reasons. The first one had to do with his rehabilitation routine. The Italian guard spent a lot of time at the gym with the trainer Andreas Gatzoulis. However, there was a second reason since the left handed guard of the Greek Champions was the main speaker for the "I respect Diversity - I get to know Sports" program.

A program that is an initiative of the administration of the Peace and Friendship Stadium and the International Center for the Olympic truce, with the support of the British Council and the Association of the Greek Olympians.  

The goal of the program is to bring forward the ideals promoted by the Olympian Ideal like equality, acceptance of diversity, respect and better understanding among people and communities.

The 29 year old guard talked to about 100 kids that attend the program and were at the Peace and Friendship Stadium Wednesday morning.

"For me, what you have to do is set goals. And work passionately to achieve them. That's what I've been doing since I was a kid and continue to do to this day. I'm not only talking about sports, but also for all that define your every day life. When I was about your age, I left my country and went to the States to go after my dream, becoming a professional basketball player. It took a lot of sacrifice; it was exceptionally difficult at first. Because there, apart from being good at basketball, you also have to be a good student. That's why, my advice to you is to train your minds, work passionately towards everything you do and don't get disappointed. Nothing will ever be given to you, you have to fight for your dreams", was what Daniel Hackett had to say to the kids.   

Next, all the kids got to get photos with the Greek Champions' guard and Hackett got to sign dozens of autographs.