Giant Heart Roadshow Empowers Underprivileged Children Through Sports
This past May, neighborhoods across the Attica region were energized by the arrival of the THI Summer Youth Academy, the basketball camp for underprivileged youth organized by The Hellenic Initiative (THI). With the support of local municipalities and community organizations, families were informed about the upcoming camp, organized by THI in collaboration with Eurohoops.
As part of the Academy’s expanded outreach efforts this year, the initiative was named the Giant Heart Roadshow—a dynamic, on-the-ground activation sponsored by Novibet. The Roadshow brought the spirit and message of the Academy directly into the communities, generating excitement and strong participation at the local level.
A custom-wrapped van featuring a mobile basketball hoop the neighborhoods of Tavros, Moschato, Nea Smyrni, Ilion, Marousi and Kifisia, offering children a chance to shoot hoops and learn about the Academy. Parents were introduced to the Academy’s vision, which emphasizes not only basketball but also games and workshops designed to build confidence, character, and practical life skills.
The main camp will take place at Leonteios School in the Athens neighborhood of Patissia, running from June 30 to July 25, 2025. Participation is free, and no prior basketball experience is required. The school’s high-quality facilities will be transformed into a dynamic, inclusive space for sports, learning, and creativity. The program consists of two two-week sessions (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM), with over 100 children participating in total.
“The Giant Heart Roadshow brings the values of the THI Summer Youth Academy to the neighborhoods of Attica. We give children the space to dream, play, and grow. We are proud to be part of it,” said Konstantinos Papaloukas, Eurohoops Head of Strategy.
The Roadshow concluded on May 31 with a festive gathering of children, parents, and even delighted grandparents at the athletic fields and courts adjacent to the Workers’ Housing facility of the Municipality of Kifissia—one of several locations renovated by Novibet in recent years as part of its Giant Heart initiative.
Christoforos Bozatzidis, Chief Marketing Officer at Novibet, stated: “Supporting the THI Summer Youth Academy marks another important step in the journey of Giant Heart. Sports are a powerful driver of inclusion and empowerment, especially for children who don’t start on a level playing field. We are proud to stand by their side, giving them the opportunity to grow, be inspired, and shape their future.”
Founded in 2012, THI is the only global non-profit organization that unites Greeks around the world around philanthropy and investing in the future of Greece. Since its founding, THI has raised more than $38 million and has grown to be the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world.
George P. Stamas, THI Board President, noted: “THI has learned that success in building a New Greece is facilitated by connecting directly with the people of Greece – including the children who will be the main beneficiaries of our efforts. We are delighted to be part of outreach efforts like the Roadshow that tell young people: Dare to Dream.”
Nikos Stathopoulos, THI Board Member and Chairman of the THI Summer Youth Academy, added: “The 2025 Academy builds on our belief that every child deserves access to opportunity, inspiration, and a supportive community. This year, we’re going bigger—reaching more kids, expanding our impact, and inviting everyone to be part of this movement for change.”
