Evangelos Marinakis continues his selfless support for sports, this time through Capital Maritime & Trading Corp., taking on the complete renovation of Panathenaic Stadium to ensure it can host international track and field competitions.
The sponsorship agreement was reached in a meeting with the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos.
The HOC announcement regarding Mr. Marinakis’ major contribution reads:
The Hellenic Olympic Committee is pleased and proud to announce the establishment of a strategic partnership with Capital Maritime & Trading Corp., owned by Mr. Evangelos Marinakis, which assumes the title of Gold Sponsor of the HOC for the renovation of Panathenaic Stadium.
This historic landmark, reconstructed in the 19th century to revive the first modern Olympic Games by national benefactor George Averoff, is returning to its original use thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mr. Evangelos Marinakis, a man who loves sports and supports it in practice without seeking reciprocal benefits.
As part of the collaboration, Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. will fund and implement the full renovation of the historic Panathenaic Stadium, aiming to upgrade its facilities so that the iconic stadium can host international track and field events at Diamond League level, meeting all modern standards.
Specifically, a new tartan track will be installed to meet all international standards for Diamond League competitions, and the lighting system will be replaced with new LED lamps that will highlight the beauty of the Kallimarmaro and save energy while protecting the environment. Beyond its primary function, the new lighting will create a nighttime luminous pathway celebrating the revival of the Olympic Games for all visitors, Greek and foreign alike.
Additionally, Mr. Marinakis will illuminate the façade of the HOC building on Kifisias Avenue with a design by the famous Greek designer Eleftheria Deko, who previously illuminated the Acropolis and is leading this project. The building’s lighting incorporates several innovative ideas by Ms. Deco, bringing both light and culture to the city.
Mr. Marinakis stated regarding the renovation of Panathenaic Stadium: “Kallimarmaro is much more than a stadium. It is the symbol of timeless Greek ideals – noble competition, fair play, and friendship among peoples. Values born in ancient Greece were revived with the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 in this very stadium, and they continue to inspire people today. We want to support this monument perpetually, keeping it alive, so that it reminds us that sports are not just an event. They are continuity of values, continuity of history, and continuity of inspiration for future generations.”
The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos, said: “Evangelos Marinakis is a man of sports who, as he has often stated, consistently and generously supports every effort that promotes its values. A true admirer of the Olympic ideal and the value of sport, he now continues to contribute in a substantial way, both through the renovation works of Panathenaic Stadium, which will be able to host international track and field competitions, and through the support of athletes and initiatives requested by the HOC. He is a sponsor without time or financial limits, who seeks no reciprocal benefit, demonstrating in practice his love for Greek sports and Olympic education. The Hellenic Olympic Committee owes him a great ‘thank you’ for his continuous and invaluable contribution.”
A few days earlier, Mr. Marinakis had also announced support for world wrestling champion Giorgos Kougioumtzidis, again through ALTER EGO Media.
Source: tovima.com
