Celebrity Game Launches Exciting Program for 14-18 Year-Olds
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) is proud to announce that its first-ever Summer Youth Academy, sponsored, designed, and implemented by THI for children aged 14-18, is currently in full operation at the Lycée Léonin Athens school in the Patisia neighborhood of the capital of Greece. This inaugural basketball academy offers a transformative experience that leverages the power of sports for youth empowerment and leadership to 120 children at no cost, combining comprehensive basketball training with a series of educational, recreational, and empowering activities.
The Academy, which runs during July 2024, commenced with a Celebrity Game featuring prominent Greek athletes, business leaders, and artists, along with children who are participating in the Academy. Operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Academy not only immerses teenage participants in the fundamentals of basketball but also focuses on the development of interpersonal skills, teamwork, empathy, and self-esteem. The Academy is a collaborative effort with Eurohoops, a prominent Athens-based basketball organization that empowers underprivileged youth by building confidence and character. Founded in 2012, THI is a global non-profit organization that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in Greece through programs focused on economic development and crisis relief. Since its founding, THI has invested more than $22,5 million in Greece, supporting promising startups and the most effective philanthropic organizations. Ted Leonsis, owner of several sports franchises, including the Washington Wizards, entrepreneur and THI Board member, is the honorary Chair and presenting sponsor. The Academy’s Gold sponsors include THI and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, with the John S. Latsis Foundation and Sprite as Silver sponsors, and Pet City, Metropolitan College/AKMI and Folloe Foundation as Bronze sponsors. The Host Committee members include Ted Leonsis, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, George Stamas, Andrew Liveris, Nikos Koumettis, Nikos Stathopoulos, Dean Dakolias and Achilles Constantakopoulos. The Academy also collaborates with the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the Hellenic Olympians Association, and the Hellenic Basketball Federation. According to Michael Printzos, THI Country Head, Greece, “Our focus is not on discovering the next Greek basketball star or solely enhancing athletic skills. Our mission prioritizes the broader values that sports embody, thus fostering a culture that bridges societal divides.” George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President, stated, “We take great pride in THI’s inaugural summer camp, a distinctive academy and program that sets itself apart from other initiatives in the country. Aligned with THI’s overarching vision, we remain committed to implementing similar initiatives with our partners, striving to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Greek youth.”
