Closing Ceremony Highlights a Transformative Journey for over 100 Underprivileged Children in Greece
Through the 2025 Summer Youth Academy, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) and Eurohoops, demonstrated for a second consecutive year that building character in its youth is as important as nurturing talent for creating a brighter future for the country. The smiles flashed by the participants age 10-17 at the closing ceremony, at the end of July, revealed that the noble endeavor is fueled by fun.
This year’s Academy was made possible thanks to the generosity of its supporters: Gold Sponsors – THI, Giant Heart by Novibet, Stelios Philanthropic Foundation; Silver Sponsors – Motor Oil, Piraeus, and the Latsis Foundation.
Nikos Stathopoulos, THI Board Member and Chair of the Academy, highlighted that the Academy isn’t just a summer camp, but a place where children, many facing financial hardship, broken homes, or limited access to opportunity, feel seen, supported and inspired. Through sports and mentorship, they learn to believe in themselves – perhaps for the first time.
In addition to basketball training, the camp offered a rich mix of games and workshops designed to build confidence, skills, and character. Children had the chance to engage with inspiring individuals, providing motivation and encouragement. The Academy also included powerful sessions on disability awareness, where participants heard directly from individuals with lived experiences. Creativity soared in the comics lab, where imagination met storytelling. A session with the Hellenic Police on cybercrime awareness gave students practical tools to navigate the digital world safely. Deeply appreciated by the parents of the participants was the workshop on mental health, role models, resilience and the power of sport that was delivered by Breathe, a THI grantee founded by Tatiana Blatnik.
The closing ceremony included a spirited 3-on-3 basketball tournament. While trophies were awarded to the winning teams, the highlight was the award given not to the top scorer, but for Fair Play, to the student who best embodied the values of respect, inclusion and team spirit that define the Summer Youth Academy – a powerful reminder that character and kindness are just as important as talent.
George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President and co-founder, stated: “Investing in the future of Greece goes well beyond our support for its economic development– it also means promoting impactful endeavors like the Summer Youth Academy. For those children, the program is a powerful vehicle for our motto: ‘Dare to Dream’.”
George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President and co-founder, stated: “Investing in the future of Greece goes well beyond our support for its economic development– it also means promoting impactful endeavors like the Summer Youth Academy. For those children, the program is a powerful vehicle for our motto: ‘Dare to Dream’.”
Nikos Stathopoulos, THI Board Member and this year’s Academy Chairman, stated: “It’s the second year and we are very proud. The response was overwhelming, and the children had an experience that was both fun and transformative. The organizers put together a great team that the kids will benefit from for a long time.”
