ATHENS: After Barcelona, Olympiacos have joined force with UNICEF as part of the global effort to provide a brighter future for children.One and a half million children around the world are still dying every year from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccinations. This actually means one child every 20 seconds. Nearly 20 percent of all children do not receive the basic vaccinations, because poverty, conflict, poor infrastructure or weak governance makes it difficult to reach them.

The “100pc Campaign” aims to ensure that all unreached children receive these life-saving vaccines. In a press conference hosted today at the Karaiskakis stadium, Olympiacos and UNICEF announced their partnership for the next two years.

Olympiacos president Evangelos Marinakis, club strategic advisor Christian Karembeu, and president of the Hellenic National Committte of UNICEF Lambros Kanellopoulos / Photo: Agiris Makris

Olympiacos will help promote awareness by featuring UNICEF’s logo on the players’ jersey, with the goal to raise two million euros from charity events, which will be organized under the auspices of the club.Olympiacos president Evangelos Marinakis said: “This partnership will play a pivotal role in our country. Since, the establishment of the biggest title-winning club in Greece, we have always tried to be on the pitch in order to mobilize global action toward achieving a better future for the children.

“With the help of our club, it is anticipated that the lives of more than 50.000 children will be saved. Once again, despite the financial crisis in Greece, Olympiacos FC reaches out in solidarity with those in need. We call all Greeks to stand by our side to put the well-being of the children worldwide first.”

The president of the Hellenic National Committte of UNICEF, Lambros Kanellopoulos said: “The alliance between Olympiacos and UNICE is a milestone in the humanitarian action of UNICEF Greece, which will bring hope to thousands of children.”

“I have worked with UNICEF in the past and I’m well aware of their mission and goals. We are about to start an alliance with one of the most well-known non-profit organizations in the world, with which we are proud to say, we share the same values in an effort to save lives and protect the future of our children,” said Olympiacos FC strategic advisor Christian Karembeu.

Olympiacos will feature UNICEF’s logo on the players’ jersey on Wednesday in Lisbon at the Champions League tie against Benfica.