The meeting continued with a fruitful discussion of
the partners about the European refugee crisis. In this part, the
representatives of clubs had the chance to know more about the European
countries approach to refugees and contract a beneficial cooperation with UNESCO.
The second part started with the discussion about the
general situation of refugees living in the local communities of the
participants. Specifically, they mentioned the number and the different origins
of refugees hosted, the difficulties that these people face, how the national
governments work on this important issue and how the NGOs contribute to their social
integration. A special reference was made to the social work of Olympiacos
related to this issue. Since 2015, Olympiacos supports the people who are in
need by helping thousands of refugees who fled their homes to save their lives
and found a temporary shelter at Piraeus port. It has offered more than 50.000
meals, 40.000 hats, 7.000 jackets, gloves, footwear, blankets and basic relief
items, whereas soccer balls and toys were handed over to children providing
them the opportunity to be children again. All of these initiatives prove that
charity and contribution are deeply rooted in the club’s DNA. Also, it has
organized many football matches for refugees with the participation of veteran
football stars such as Karembeu.
Representatives of UNESCO in Southeast Attica are also
involved in this part of the meeting. The organization represented by the President,
Mrs. Kokoletsiou, the Vice-President, Mr Vlastarakos, the Communication
Manager, Mrs. Vallianou, a Board Member, Mrs. Vlastarakou and the veteran
player of Olympiacos and President of Sport and Education, Mr Glykas. The
discussion was around the important social work of this Organization and the
partners underpinned the importance of developing a strong cooperation with it
during the implementation of this project. Also, they all agreed that more
European initiatives needed to facilitate the social inclusion of refugees promoting
more educational and sporting opportunities for them.
...
