The little heroes of the Oncologic Unit of Children “Marianna V. Vardinoyannis-ELPIDA” had the opportunity to spare magic moments of summer game, joy and carelessness during the “4th ELPIDA Summer Festival” organized from the Association “ELPIDA-Association of Friends of Children with cancer” and specifically from the Association’s Social Service under the auspice of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports at the Unit’s forecourt from June 18th until 20th 2024.
OPENING OF FESTIVAL
The Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Mr. Giannis Droutsis has opened the 4th Summer Festival who, on Tuesday June 18th 2024, on Tuesday June 18th visited the Oncologic Unit of Children while he was guided at the Unit and the offices of the Association “Orama ELPIDAS” where he was informed about the work in the Unit from doctors and nursing personnel and for the volunteering donation of bone narrow.
Mr. Vroutsis was welcomed from the joint Governor of the Children’s Hospital “H AGIA SOFIA” & “P&A. KYRIAKOU”, Mr. Manolis Papasavvas, the General Secretary of the Association “ELPIDA-Association of Friends of Children with cancer” Mrs. Tzortzina Ellina, the members of Association’s Board of Directors, Mrs. Nouli Manola and Dora Dimopoulou, The General Secretary of the Association “ORAMA ELPIDAS” Mrs. Ino Konstantopoulou, the Scientific Director of the Association “ORAMA ELPIDAS” Mr. Stelios Grafakos, the member of the Committee of Guest House “ELPIDA” Mrs. Pegy Filippou and the Directress of Guest House “ELPIDA” Mrs. Anna Panagopoulou with the Person in charge of the Psycho-Social Service of Guest House “ELPIDA”, Dimitris Nanis who were responsible for the Festival’s organization.
“I am very happy to be near the “Champions of Life”, the children of “ELPIDA” Association and I am glad that, the valuable work of the most beloved, Marianna V. Vardinoyannis is continued with the same love to the children from her daughter, Christianna Vardinoyannis and the remarkable members of the Association’s Board of Directors. The Ministry of Sports, me personally and my Associates we are assistants at your effort which teaches to all of us so many things and make us better human beings. Good luck to the children of ELPIDA who participate to the actions of Sports Education and Values of Dimitris Vikelas program during the 4th Elpida Summer Festival. My wish is that, the Festival which is under the auspice of our Ministry to be performed every year sending the message of ELPIDA and values to all the children of the World” Mr. Vroutsis said.
PROGRAM FULL OF INNOVATIVE ACTIONS
During the three days of the Summer Festival, the little heroes of ELPIDA had the opportunity to participate in innovative actions, make constructions and handicrafts, dance and sing, see films and theatrical performances and make unique routes with the “Train of ELPIDA” within the Unit!.
The Greek Olympic Champions, Paralympics Champions and World Champions participated to the actions of the innovative educational program of Sports Education, History and values Dimitrios Vikelidis, a program that contains an experiential approach to sports such as, Climbing, basket, boccia, Archery, Fencing, boxing, tae Kwon do were next to the children. The Olympic Champions that participated at the program were: Michalis Mouroutsos, Georgia Ellinaki, Klelia Pantazi Eva Cheristodoulou, Anni Pantazi,Dimitra Maganoudaki, Voula Zygouri and Olga Vasdeki. The Paralympics champion of Boccia, Grigoris Polychronidis. The Champions: Elena Plata- boxing, Malios Charis and Kederis Christos, Champions of the National Team of Handball, the football player Asimina Chatziandreou, Kyriaki Bakoulopoulou and Dimitris Skarlos Federal Coaches of Handball, Foteini Karamadouki and Sofia Skandali, the federal Coaches of Fencingand Valia Bertsatou, Rena Chalkia and Tina Kanaki at the special laboratories of Sports Education which have been prepared for the children of Elpida. Ileana Klokoni was in charge of the program “Dimitrios Vikelas”.
The children had also the opportunity to know the animals and the nature via the special program that, Attiko Zoo Park had prepared, to talk with the swimmer of long distances, Spyros Chrysikopoulos who presented to them his book “Swimming beyond the boundaries”, to discuss with the Teacher-Author, Marios Mazaris for the hugs we share, to enjoy themselves with the melodies of Greek Navy band, Conservatory of Athens College, Quartet of Classic Music of Athens Concert Hal and Group in Therapy band, to come in touch with the art via the works of art of the Museum of Contemporary Art, to laugh with Karagiozis stories of the Ilias Karellas performer and to get power via the presentation of the book “The Great Victory of Life” of Eleni Tsaldiri.
A surprise concert with Giorgos Sampanis
The 4th Summer Festival completed with a unique party-surprise which elated all young and elder people!. The party started with the beloved artist, Giorgos Sampanis who made an appearance-surprise causing enthusiasm to the children who heart warmed him and had the opportunity to sing with him all his great hits! The Festival ended with Harley Davidson parade and fireworks.
Sponsors-Supporters of Action
The ELPIDA Association warmly thanks all sponsors and supporters of the 4th ELPIDA Summer Festival and specifically: parties2bremembered, Stylebox, Pacchetto di Cappanna, VIKOS, Dimello, Sante, EuroCatering Freskoulis, MaristesLeonteios School of Athens, DreamStar, The Christmas Factory, AEIFEREIN, Center of Sustainable actions Design, IIEK ALFA, Dream Light, APIVITA, G4S Security, Plychromi Speira, Superheroes GR, Christef, Nanos Fireworks, Eco magination, Creation Event rentals, Magician Kelmis, Magician Skyman, Jokers Wild MC Hellas, Thanois Daskalopoulos (body musician- Tap dancer).