With Giannis Antetokounmpo as its ambassador and with a focus on people, Stoiximan unveiled its 2024 corporate social responsibility Empower Forward program, with an emphasis on three words: equality, participation, and inclusion.

This is an initiative that goes beyond the boundaries of sport. It is an essential investment in society, offering, to every individual, regardless of gender, age, or origin, the opportunities and space to grow, express themselves, and build self-confidence through the physical and mental strength that sport generates.

The Empower Forward programme was initiated by promoting mental health and highlighting the importance of mental resilience in sport and in everyday life. More than 8,000 people across Greece have been supported by the actions of the first pillar.

Women in Sports.

Women and Sport is for everyone.

Continuing its dynamic march, Empower Forward activated its second thematic pillar: Women in Sports, dedicated to enhancing women’s presence in sport, not just as participants, but as a self-evident presence, a right, and an inspiration.

The program has started the journey to visit 12 cities in Greece. In each destination, it creates open spaces of experience, testing, and development for women and girls of all ages. Where once there were barriers, today bridges of access, encouragement,t and equal opportunities are being built.

Valuable allies in this journey are the Hellenic Olympic Committee, local bodies, and sports clubs.

The beginning was made in Ioannina!

On Sunday, 1 June, Ioannina became the first stop of Empower Forward – Women in Sports. The Limnopoula premises were transformed into a place of inspiration, action, and interaction. Women and girls of all ages participated in a multifaceted program of sports activities, experiencing not from the stands, but in the game.

From wrestling and taekwondo, to shooting, gymnastics, fencing, judo, weightlifting, and handball. Each sport represents a new challenge, a step towards personal empowerment, both physically and mentally. The atmosphere was uplifting, the pace lively, and participation was open to all, with free access, no strings attached.

A moment to remember: Anna Korakaki in Ioannina

Anna Korakorak’s visit to Ioannina in Johannesburg will be an unforgettable experience.

An Anna Korakona Karkonoski will be a part of the celebrations in Johannesburg.
The Greek Olympic champion Anna Korakaki honoured the action with her presence, being a source of inspiration for young and old alike. Through her personal experiences, she spoke about the effort, perseverance, and inner strength required to win not just medals, but the right to belong.

Her presence was not just about sports, but about symbolism: every woman, every girl has a place, a voice, and deserves to claim it with pride.

Support with actions: Donations to local clubs

.

In recognition of the contribution of local clubs, Stoiximan is making donations of sports equipment, effectively enhancing the sustainability and quality of sport for children and athletes across Greece.

The journey continues…

After the first successful action in Ioannina, Empower Forward – Women in Sports continues its journey with its next destination being Rhodes. On Sunday, 15 June, the Karakoneros Sports Centre – Kallipateira- will be transformed into a field of female empowerment, for a day full of action and inspiration.

In an open space, participants will have the opportunity to get to know sports such as Gymnastics, Judo, Archery, Ping Pong, Taekwondo, but also to try track and field events such as running, javelin/hammer throw and pole vault.

Fotis Zisimopoulos, one of the world’s top ultra-marathon runners, will honour the action with his presence. With a legacy of his distinctions, but above all his ethos and inexhaustible competitiveness, he will inspire the participants, highlighting the importance of perseverance, inner strength and belief in oneself – values that go beyond the boundaries of athletics and touch every aspect of life.

Next destinations for action: Kalamata, Chania, Mytilini, Alexandroupoli, Nafpaktos, Larissa, Serres, Kastoria, Athens, and Corfu.

With the same vision, the same pulse, the same open invitation to every woman.

Get on the field, be the change, take the place you deserve.

Learn more and sign up at empowerforward.gr/gynaikes-ston-athlitismo