The power of sports: THI’s Summer Youth Academy for Greece’s children of all backgrounds embodies our commitment to transformative initiatives
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) was established in 2012 during one of Greece’s most challenging periods. The financial crisis painted a heartbreaking picture, for the country that many of our forefathers once left in search of a better future. Amidst the turmoil, we envisioned THI as a unifying force for the Greek Diaspora and philhellenes worldwide. It was an “if not now, when; if not us, who?” moment for all of us involved in the creation of The Hellenic Initiative. It was our call to action, anchored on two primary action pillars: crisis relief and economic development.
Our immediate response focused on providing support to the neediest. Through our crisis relief efforts, we secured food aid, provided healthcare services, worked with impoverished families, and created shelters. We aimed to address basic needs and restore hope and dignity.
At the same time, we immediately launched economic development programs that continue ever increasingly to create jobs and foster business growth, contributing to Greece’s long-term prosperity. And we work closely with an ever-growing infrastructure of highly effective home-grown economic development. The Greek renaissance has emerged; we are here simply to lend a hand.
Since our inception in 2012, we have brought many Greek Diaspora communities in the world together, establishing strong networks in the United States but also chapters in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and recently in France, Switzerland, and Monaco. We believe in the power of the Diaspora which cares deeply for Greece and has the resources and expertise to make an impact, and THI provides a trusted and efficient mechanism to channel these resources.
With the help and support of the hundreds of thousands of Greeks and philhellenes who have connected with us, we have donated to more than 200 distinct economic and social programs in Greece, we have trained and placed into the Greek workforce over 6,500 eager and motivated Greeks who call Greece their home and want to be part of the Greek resurgence. Their impact on their communities, their families, and indeed the Greek gross domestic product cannot be overestimated.
This optimism and hope has inspired us to also focus on the youth of Greece and launch this summer the THI Summer Youth Academy. The Academy harnesses the power of sports to build character through a comprehensive curriculum designed to offer children opportunities for personal growth through teamwork, resilience, and mental health support.
On July 1 this summer, partnering with Eurohoops, and under the excellent direction of Michael Printzos, our Greece Country Head, we kicked off the Academy with a celebrity basketball game that featured representatives from the worlds of sport and business, and showcasing the transformative power of sports to unite everyone. Running throughout July, from 9 AM to 5 PM, the program has provided a safe and nurturing environment for 120 children, all from low-income families, at no cost, teaching children how to live together without hate, violence, or criminality – how to be one team – or as our THI motto testifies, “Oli Mazi!”.
When we began our journey in 2012, our goal was to play a small part helping Greece’s new generation of leaders, indeed modern heroes, rebuild the country. We and the world have witnessed the amazing transformation. The children of the Academy will also take their rightful place as a positive force in Greek society.
At THI we often say that Hellenism is as much a state of mind and soul as it is a geographic location. It is something that inspires and unites the Diaspora with our brothers and sisters living on Greek soil. Together, we are creating a rising tide of social activism that is lifting all walks of life in Greece and doing so in the finest traditions of Greece’s enduring legacy to the world.
We, the directors of The Hellenic Initiative, are thankful for the opportunity to give back.
