Mr Marinakis, reaching out in solidarity for the people who suffered the effects of the powerful earthquake and the devastating tsunami that pummelled the north-eastern coast of Japan, took the initiative and invited the Ambassador of Japan to Athens, Mr. Hiroshi Toda, to watch the football match “OLYMPIACOS FC –AEK FC”, at G. Karaiskakis Stadium, on 20th March. Prior to the kick-off, one minute of silence was observed in respect of the victims, while Mr Marinakis donated the symbolic amount of €100,000 in support of sports and development in the areas that suffered this unimaginable tragedy.
The donation was very much welcomed by the Ambassador of Japan, yet Mr. Hiroshi indicated that the proposed amount had to be channelled through organisations that hold similar programmes.
For this reason, Mr Marinakis contacted the President of the IOC, Mr Jacques Rogge, in order to coordinate the delivery of the money which will be given to support sport reconstruction in
Mr Jacques Rogge warmly welcomed the spontaneous initiative of Mr Evangelos Marinakis and in a letter addressed not only to Olympiacos FC, but also to the President of the Japanese Olympic Committee, Mr Tsunekazu TAKEDA, the IOC Vice-President, Mr Ser MIANG NG, the Director of IOC NOC Relations Department, Mr Pere MIRÓ
and the IOC member, Mr Lambis V. NIKOLAOU, he states:
“Thank you for your letter informing me of the initiative of the Olympiacos Football Club to support sport reconstruction in
For your information, the IOC, in conjunction with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is currently working with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of
Mr Pere MIRÓ, Director of the IOC NOC Relations Department will get back to you in due course to coordinate this initiative and review with you how Olympiacos FC can contribute to its realisation along with other members of the Olympic and sport family.
Once again, we thank you for your support and cooperation and remain at your disposal should you need any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Jacques ROGGE”
