Floga is a symbol of strength. It is a hand extended with kindness. An embrace that offers safety. It is the bright spark that is lit when everything seems difficult.
For the 11th consecutive year, Olympiacos FC and Stoiximan were present at the Parents’ Association of Children with Neoplastic Diseases, “Floga.” Panagiotis Retsos, Chiquinho, Costinha and Alexios Kalogeropoulos; Konstantina Mylona and Elpida Mantzakopoulou on behalf of the women’s football team; as well as Olympiacos FC’s Head of Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, Depy Koxenoglou, stood alongside the true “fighters” of life, offered them a warm embrace, distributed gifts and took photos with them, bringing smiles to their sweet little faces.
“I feel very happy to be here. It is very important. When I was informed that I would be coming to Floga, I was truly glad. Being close to children who need it is the most important thing one can do. And I’m certain that Olympiacos will continue to do so. I am very proud and happy to be here,” said Chiquinho, adding: “I don’t know how much we can help, but it is very beautiful to be there for those to whom we can give strength. In football we try and we fight, but what matters more are the children, and that is why we are at their side.”
The captain of Olympiacos’ women’s football team, Konstantina Mylona, said: “I am very happy and moved that Olympiacos is also leading on a social level and showing its solidarity. I am very glad to be here; we will give some gifts to the children, talk with them and spend some moments together.” Goalkeeper Elpida Mantzakopoulou stated: “The work carried out by Floga is very important. We are happy to come here and meet the children. We hope to give them a little joy.”
Mrs. Maria Tryfonidi, President of Floga, stated: “Every year this appointment is very important. You can see how many children have gathered, how much they love you. We thank both Stoiximan and Olympiacos for this visit. It is important for us and for our children. We look forward to seeing you every year. This visit will not stop; thank you. Floga relies on all of you, on everyone—our resources come solely from the public.”
Nefeli Christopoulou, Corporate Responsibility Manager of Stoiximan, noted: “Stoiximan has been supporting Floga with action and consistency for more than a decade. We stand by the children and their families. Today, together with Olympiacos FC, we are here to decorate the Christmas tree and distribute gifts to the children. We wholeheartedly wish all the families and the children of Floga health, smiles and beautiful holidays. The courage they show every day inspires us all.”
Olympiacos defender Alexios Kalogeropoulos emphasized: “Olympiacos is always close to the children of Floga, and continuously helps them overcome their challenges. These are the real winners and the real fighters. We will always be by their side.”
Costinha said: “I am happy and grateful to be here. I speak for myself and for my teammates as well. It is a very important moment for us to visit children who are ill. If we can offer any joy to the children, for us it is a great privilege.”
Finally, Olympiacos captain Panagiotis Retsos took the floor and stated: “For us it is an honor to be alongside these children. Every year we want to offer them as much joy as possible. We know they are going through difficult times and we are with them in this effort.”
The President of Olympiacos, Evangelos Marinakis, emphasizes -every single time- the need for the Club to give back love to the people. Such a tangible gesture was today’s visit by the team together with Stoiximan. There, where pain meets hope, Floga becomes a light that shows the way. It is a mirror of social solidarity, showing that collective effort can transform a child’s struggle into a journey full of hope.
