Our side’s initial friendly match ahead of next season has been finalized today; this will be a match combining major sporting interest with the ongoing charitable activities of our club’s President, Mr. Vaggelis Marinakis. The “Red-and-whites”, August 3rd, will face legendary Liverpool at Anfield, on August 3, to honour Reds and England’s National Team captain Steven Gerrard. Olympiacos has been selected by Liverpool and Gerrard amongst a large number of candidate teams for this testimonial match.
Liverpool FC honours Gerrard’s glittering and successful career and also recognizes his commitment and loyalty to his hometown club. Money raised from events celebrating Steven’s testimonial year will be for the benefit of the Steven Gerrard Foundation (SGF), which has been set up in February 2011 stands committed to assisting disadvantaged children and young people.
From his part, Olympiacos President Mr. Vaggelis Marinakis will be donating our side’s appearance fee to local charities in Piraeus. Mr. Marinakis states following agreement to stage the match:
“It is an honour and a great pleasure to participate in Steven Gerrard’s testimonial match against Liverpool, which shows yet again how the world of football can work together to build a brighter future for the children and the young people of our society. As a socially-conscious club, Olympiacos always seek to contribute with actions aimed to alleviate people in need, as much as humanly possible. In an very difficult financial period for our country, we will support our fellow citizens by donating our share to humanitarian, non-profit driven foundations and community development programs. We look forward to a most enjoyable match, where everyone is a winner.”.
This fixture has great historical significance for both Gerrard and Liverpool FC. In 2004, in front of a packed home crowd in Anfield, it took a stunning late goal from Steven for Liverpool to beat Olympiacos side 3-1 and go into the next stage of the UEFA Champions League. At that same season, Liverpool side went on to be crowned winners of Champions League, beating AC Milan in that staggering final in Constantinople. As Steven has spent the majority of his life in Liverpool, he has seen many of the issues faced by local children and therefore much of the money generated will go to a range of children’s charitable organizations operating in and around Merseyside. Gerrard said:
“I am delighted to be honoured by Liverpool and particularly thrilled that Olympiacos have accepted my invitation to play the fixture. Last time we met proved to be such a memorable game both for me personally and the team. I am also especially grateful that Olympiacos have truly embraced the aim of this match and chosen to donate their fee to charity. I am looking forward to this fantastic game in the context of a unique encounter.
Sportcel Marketing has undertaken to organise the testimonial match, together with other fund-raising events through the year, on behalf of the Foundation.
To read Liverpool FC’s relevant press release please click HERE.
