A new canopy over the YMCA Nikaia outdoor basketball court, donated exclusively by the Onassis Foundation

The official unveiling ceremony of the canopy recently constructed over the historic “Giorgos Amerikanos” YMCA Nikaia outdoor basketball court –a structure donated exclusively by the Onassis Foundation– was hosted by the YMCA Nikaia and the Municipality of Nikaia–Agios Ioannis Rentis on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Representatives of the Onassis Foundation, the Mayor of Nikaia–Agios Ioannis Rentis George Ioakimides, Greek state representatives, Nikaia arts and sports personalities, a full contingent of YMCA Nikaia members and its Board of Directors, teammates and friends of the legendary late Greek basketball player Giorgos Amerikanos, and crowds of people from the local community all attended the event.

From the renovation of sports and recreation facilities in historic Athens neighborhoods to the construction of new children’s playgrounds, all Onassis Foundation initiatives are acts of culture, and they all start with play. The canopy over the YMCA Nikaia outdoor basketball court is an expression of this vision that enriches the dynamic character of Athens – a city that’s constantly evolving and renewing itself in league with its inhabitants. Each new sports ground gained by the city champions the importance of physical recreation and leisure, fortifying a culture of play and forging a new space where children and parents can meet and connect.

The new canopy over the YMCA Nikaia outdoor basketball court is here to transform everyday life, offering young children new sporting experiences as part of the physical recreation programs offered by this historic association. It is for this reason that the Onassis Foundation readily accepted the proposal extended by Mayor George Ioakimides to fund –in full– the metal canopy over the YMCA Nikaia outdoor basketball court, which has been actively supporting sports activities in the Nikaia area over many decades. This donation forms part of the Onassis Foundation’s “On Athens” initiative.