Greek Organisation of Football Prognostics : OPAP and SEGAS extend their cooperation by another two years

OPAP and SEGAS presented on Monday 9 October 2017, the extension of their sponsorship cooperation for the Athens Authentic Marathon by a further two years, and the commencement of an agreement for the sponsorship of the National Athletics Team.

The '35 ATHENS MARATHON. THE AUTHENTIC' will be held on 12 November 2017, with OPAP being its Major Sponsor for a seventh consecutive year. Moreover, starting this year, OPAP stands by the side of the athletes of the National Athletics Team, supporting all their sporting commitments.

In this context, OPAP CEO, Damian Cope, stated: 'Being a live and integral cell of Greek society since 1958, OPAP is a long-standing benefactor of Greek sport. The extension of our cooperation with SEGAS is yet another step in this direction. Since 2011, OPAP is the Grand Sponsor of the Authentic Athens Marathon, a truly global organization that has emerged as one of the most important athletic, cultural and social events in the country. Additionally, we are participating in SEGA's Run Greece events, which are a celebration of sport and an active way of living in different cities. Additionally, as of this year, we are pleased to be expanding the scope of our cooperation with SEGAS beyond the Marathon, to support the Greek athletics team. We feel privileged to support the efforts of the national team's athletes that have made Greece proud on several occasions, and act as role-models for many children aspiring to become like them'.

SEGAS' Chairman, Costas Panagopoulos, referred to the excellent partnership between the two sides and highlighted OPAP's significant contribution to sport: 'OPAP, the Major Sponsor of the Athens Marathon, plays a significant role. OPAP supports our efforts over the last years. We share the same goals, the same concerns and the same vision for the Athens Marathon. The renewal of our cooperation is very important because it provides us with the secure environment needed for the Athens Marathon, as well as for continuing to support our champions. Everyone in SEGAS wants to say a big thank you to Damian Cope, the administration team, the executives and the employees of OPAP for their trust, cooperation, and all we have achieved together in the past years, as well as for all the things we will achieve in the future'.

It is noted that over the last years, OPAP has managed to associate the Marathon with its Corporate Responsibility strategy and a very special social cause - the renovation of Greece's two largest children's hospitals, 'Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou' and 'Aghia Sofia'. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of thousand of citizens through their virtual contribution, which OPAP automatically converted into financial support, over 3 million Euros were collected last year to upgrade the facilities of the hospitals. To date, OPAP has renovated 40% of the hospitals, significantly benefitting children, parents and medical staff.

The event held at the OPAP headquarters was also attended by Panagiotis Dimakos, A' SEGAS Vice-President, Chairman of the Marathon Organizing Committee and member of the European Athletics BoD; the national team coach, Yiannis Koutsioras; pole vault champions, Costas Filippidis and Nicole Kyriakopoulou; triple jump champion Voula Papachristou; marathon runner Costas Gelaouzos; long jump champion Haido Alexouli; and the 800 m. and 1,500 m. champion Andreas Dimitrakis.