Panathinaikos launches sports activities for children on the autism spectrum in cooperation with Attica Region

Panathinaikos shows his other face. The “Greens” started a cooperation with the Attica region so that the KAE Academy can begin to implement sporting activities for children and young people in the spectrum of autism disorders.

The Panathinaikos announcement states in detail:

“With the contribution of the Attica Region and in collaboration with the Academy of KAE Panathinaikos OPAP, the implementation of sports activities for children and adolescents in the spectrum of autism disorders.

The Regional Governor of Attica G. Patoulis signed a cooperation agreement with the Academy of KAE Panathinaikos OPAP with the aim of carrying out a series of sports activities for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The agreement was signed by the Regional Governor and the Director General of KAE Panathinaikos OPAP F. Albertis. Present were Regional Deputy Finance Minister N. Peppas, Strategic Relations Director of KAE Panathinaikos OPAP G. Kalaitzis, M. Rachovitsas Chief Operating Officer of PAO BC ACADEMY, Regional Development Fund Director of Department of Regional Development S. Drossis, the staff of the Regional Governor for Sport Ch. Galanopoulou and officials.

This action is carried out with the support of the Attica Region, and in particular the Regional Development Fund, through the Structure for Supporting Intervention Measures for Social Cohesion and Development – Social Network Attica “. The program is titled “Sports activities – team sports – for children and young people of Autism Spectrum Disorder” and is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) of OP “Attica” 2014-2020.

On the occasion of the signing of the agreement, the regional governor G. Patoulis stated:

“We actively support every action with a strong social sign and contribute to reducing social exclusion. I would like to congratulate the Panathinaikos team and the Academy, who will contribute to the implementation of this program, which gives children the opportunity to find a creative path and participate in sports. Exercise is an integral part of the treatment itself. I would like to congratulate Francesco Albertis and George Kalaitzis who, with their actions, have marked the history of basketball and, together with all the leaders of KAE Panathinaikos, contribute to creating a social sign of solidarity and humanity. The Attica Region and its leaders, such as Deputy Regional Finance Minister N. Peppas and Mandated Regional Advisor M. Varsos, we remain constant collaborators in such initiatives. Above all, our children are concerned with improving their education and ensuring equal opportunities in healthy activities such as sports and other areas. We continue”.

For his part, F. Albertis explained:

“We really want to thank the governor and all his staff who have helped make this program happen and give us the opportunity to continue with more vigor to help children. It is a very important and moving effort and we hope it will grow so that we can bring joy and hope to many people. It’s really helpful and we thank them.”

Sporting action

The program includes the organization of basketball courses in dedicated sections tailored to the needs of beneficiaries on the autism spectrum (beneficiaries are segregated according to their level of functioning, with a classification methodology by specialized staff of the facility). The training takes place on the Auxiliary Basketball Court of OAKA (Maroussi) and is without financial burden for the parents. For applications, a corresponding announcement of the call for expressions of interest follows. The program can also include people with autism regardless of age.