PAOK stand by refugees #WithRefugees #MorethanFootball

4 April 2017

PAOK stand by refugees #WithRefugees #MorethanFootball

The “Double-Headed Eagle” just can’t sit idly by while refugees are struggling to survive on a daily basis. They are joining the action through their extended PAOK Action program, aimed to support people in need, refugees and children.

The first coordinated step towards providing basic material to refugees was made on Tuesday 7 February in the refugee hosting site of Alexandria Imathia, in cooperation with UNHCR (the United Nations Refugee Agency) and supported by the Ministry of Migration Policy and its Regional Asylum Office of Northern Greece and Epirus. PAOK FC’s delegation was there to offer winter clothing (isothermal clothes, caps, gloves) and many PAOK gifts.On Thursday 9 February, PAOK organized another visit to the refugee hosting site in Nea Kavala Kilkis. Strategic Advisor ΕΚΕ – PAOK ACTION Mr. Anastasios Osipidis, PAOK players Dimitris Pelkas , Charis Charisis , Dimitris Chatziisaias and veteran player Κostas Lagonidis handed out clothes, first-need material and many gifts for children and grown-ups. Afterwards, PAOK athletes got to meet the footballers of the hosting site and posed for a group photo.

Mr Osipidis made the following statement to PAOK TV:

PAOK were created by refugees and knows only too well what these people are experiencing. That is why the club stands by the refugees and supports every step made to facilitate their lives. In PAOK’s family there are many people who have been refugees and relocated more than once. We sincerely wish that all these refugees will eventually find their way, heal their wounds, as we did. We wish that all children present here today will grow up and find their place in society, wherever their journey takes them.”

The refugee crisis has struck a chord with PAOK FC since the very beginning and the club will continue supporting the refugees and participate in more initiatives in the future.

Because we can all make this world a better place. Because we are #MorethanFootball.