EKO and Panagiotis Giannakis join forces for the next generation of Cypriot basketball
We may not know who the future champions of Cypriot basketball will be. But we do know where they are: Τhey are in basketball academies, dreaming of their first success and developing the skills and values that will stay with them throughout their lives. This is where EKO and living basketball legend Panagiotis Giannakis meet them.
At a press conference in Nicosia, EKO presented the Basketball Youth Program, an initiative supporting the next generation of athletes by giving children across Cyprus the opportunity to learn, develop and be inspired alongside Panagiotis Giannakis, one of the most distinguished figures in European basketball.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Cyprus Basketball Federation, strengthening the collective effort to develop the sport and create more opportunities for children and young people across Cyprus.
The Basketball Youth Program is aimed at children aged 10 to 16 who attend basketball academies and comprises a total of twelve training sessions across Cyprus, with stops in Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. The first phase of the program will take place on 12 and 13 June in Nicosia, with four training sessions for children from sports clubs in the district. The program will continue with four training sessions in Limassol for children from the Limassol and Paphos districts, and four training sessions in Larnaca for children from the Larnaca and Famagusta districts.
A key figure in the initiative is Panagiotis Giannakis, an icon of European basketball, who takes on the role of the program’s ambassador. Through his active presence at the training sessions, he will share with young athletes’ experiences, knowledge and values that extend beyond sport, serving as a role model for inspiration, discipline, perseverance and personal growth.
Through dynamic, high-energy training sessions, participants will have the opportunity to develop not only their basketball skills, but also values such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance and respect – values that are fundamental both in sport and in life.
The initiative will also include two meet-and-greet events at EKO service stations, giving basketball fans the opportunity to meet Panagiotis Giannakis in person and share unique moments with him.
Representing the President of the Republic, Ms. Kalia Hadjiosef delivered a message, stating: “I convey the warmest and heartfelt thanks of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, to EKO, which has consistently supported Cypriot sport over the years. EKO was a key pillar in the successful organization of the EuroBasket tournament hosted by Cyprus last year, while its longstanding collaboration with the Cyprus Basketball Federation at all levels confirms its commitment to the advancement of sport.”
EKO Cyprus Senior Director, Mr. Nikos Sardellis, said: “For us at EKO, this is what sport is all about. Sport is not simply an area of sponsorship activity for us; it is a space where values that we consider fundamental to society, and particularly to young people, are cultivated: effort, discipline, teamwork, respect and the continuous pursuit of growth.”
President of the Cyprus Basketball Federation, Mr. Andreas Mouzouridis, described EKO’s initiative as particularly important, adding: “The real challenge is what comes next. To bring more children onto the courts. To create new role models. To inspire the next generation to believe in their potential. To turn the enthusiasm generated by the tournament into lasting momentum for the development of our sport. This is precisely the philosophy behind the program we are presenting today.”
Mr. Konstantinos Karagiorgis, Director of the Consumer Protection Service, represented the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mr. Michalis Damianos, and stressed: “At a time when our young people are facing multiple challenges, the need for healthy outlets is more pressing than ever. The Minister wishes to extend his warm congratulations to EKO for this initiative, as well as to the Cyprus Basketball Federation for its collaboration and support. Such partnerships between the private sector and sporting organizations demonstrate in practice that, when there is a shared goal, significant results can be achieved for the benefit of society.”
Deputy Director of Secondary Education, Mr. Giorgos Koutsidis, representing the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Dr Athena Michaelidou, stated: “Our ultimate goal is to encourage every form of participation in and engagement with sport, always based on creating equal opportunities to participate, while also fostering the mind, body and personality of our young people as a whole. Our children are the future of Cypriot sport.”
Panagiotis Giannakis, through an exceptionally inspiring speech, succeeded in moving the audience and creating strong emotions. He said: “I love basketball, just as I love every sport, because sport is, above all, one big family. This is our common goal. Through its longstanding support, EKO is a shining example, because it does not only support short-term victories, but consistently invests in progress. It helps children develop a love for sport and for the values it represents: teamwork, respect and healthy competition. Just as in basketball, where every player contributes according to their position, EKO, together with the Cyprus Basketball Federation, is implementing a valuable initiative to bring the next generation closer to the magic and value of the sport.”
The Basketball Youth Program is another initiative by EKO Cyprus, forming part of its wide-ranging Corporate Responsibility Program, which supports areas including sport, education, health, road
safety, social solidarity and environmental protection, with the aim of providing ongoing support to society and, in particular, to the next generation.
About EKO CYPRUS LIMITED
EKO CYPRUS LIMITED is a wholly owned subsidiary of HELLENiQ ENERGY. The company operates in the import, storage, distribution, and supply of liquid fuels, lubricants, and LPG, both in bulk and in cylinders, to commercial and industrial customers. EKO CYPRUS LIMITED’s retail network firmly holds the leading position in transportation fuels. The company undertook the relocation of petroleum and LPG facilities from the coastal front of Larnaca to Vasilikos, an investment that, upon full development, will exceed €50 million. EKO CYPRUS LIMITED also makes a significant contribution to the job market: more than 1,500 people are employed directly or indirectly by the Company and its partner businesses and service stations operating under the EKO brand.
About HELLENiQ ENERGY
HELLENiQ ENERGY is one of the leading integrated energy groups in Southeastern Europe. It was founded in 1998 as Hellenic Petroleum, with a history that traces back to the first refinery in Greece, established in 1958. Today, it is the largest company in the country and one of the most important in Southeastern Europe in terms of annual revenues. By consistently implementing an ambitious transformation strategy, the Group has emerged as a regional leader in the energy sector, with a presence in 8 countries and continuously expanding international activities.
HELLENiQ ENERGY operates in the production, supply, and trading of all forms of energy, increasingly focusing on new, cleaner energy solutions and Renewable Energy Sources. Its portfolio includes refining, supply and trading of liquid fuels and petrochemical products, hydrocarbon exploration and production, and fuel marketing, while at the same time rapidly expanding its footprint in the renewables sector.
A strategic pillar for HELLENiQ ENERGY is the development of a fully integrated “green” utility. In this direction lies Enerwave — the new name of Elpedison — the company responsible for electricity and natural gas production and supply in Greece. The new business unit will produce and directly supply the Greek market with electricity, primarily from renewable sources, strengthening the Group’s commitment to a fair, affordable, and secure energy transition.
At the core of HELLENiQ ENERGY’s strategy is the development of its human capital, with the goal of being an employer of choice in the countries where it operates. At the same time, Corporate Responsibility remains one of its key operational pillars, through which the Group designs and implements multifaceted programs to support the younger generation and society at large, positively impacting more than 2 million people every year on an international scale.
HELLENiQ ENERGY is headquartered in Athens, is listed on the Athens Stock Exchange (ticker: ELPE), and maintains a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: HPLD) through Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). www.helleniqenergy.gr
Visit the official website of EKO Cyprus and follow its official pages on social media:
Facebook: EKO Cyprus | Instagram: @EKOCyprus
