Demis Nikolaidis, Evina Maltsis and other great Greek athletes share their views on mental health through Empower Forward.
The Empower Forwardits pioneering social responsibility initiative Stoiximan in collaboration with Giannis Antetokounmpo, emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and combating prejudices surrounding mental health, especially in sports.
Through free activities such as information sessions, mentoring and the 24-hour support line 18120, the program provides direct assistance to young athletes, parents and coaches. Its purpose is to strengthen mental resilience, creating a support network for the mental well-being of athletes, both on a personal and competitive level.
The stories of top athletes such as Demis Nikolaidis and Evina Maltsi are at the core of the initiative, offering inspiration and empowering the new generation to recognize their feelings, ask for help and face mental obstacles with courage.
Demis Nikolaidis: “It is not taboo to talk about what concerns you”
2004 European champion and one of the most recognizable Greek footballers, Demis Nikolaidis, shares his own approach to the topic of mental health. “At nowadays it is not taboo to talk about what concerns you. Now, all the big teams have a psychological support department, and there are quite a few athletes who talk about the problems they have gone through, giving courage to the new kids» notes Demis Nikolaidis.
At the same time, he emphasizes that young athletes must give their best, but not let the pressure of the result overshadow their personal calm: “The important thing is that when your day ends, you feel that you gave your best. The result is another matter – the effort is what counts».
Evina Maltsi: “The only obstacle between you and your dreams is you”
The legendary Greek basketball player, Evina Maltsi, recalls moments from her own career, underlining the need for better information and protection around mental health in sports:It is not always easy for athletes to handle the pressure. They need information, education and a supportive environment that will enable them to talk openly about their feelings”.
In addition, he encourages the new generation to show courage and not be afraid to dream: “Many young people are afraid to dream big, compromise or give up. What I always tell young kids is that the only obstacle between you and your dreams is you.”
At Empower Forward page one can see the relevant testimonies of other top athletes, such as the athletes of the National Polo Team, Eleftheria and Margarita Pleuritou, the European champion in swimming (50m butterfly) Stergios Bilas, as well as the judo champion Elisavet Teltsidou.
A comprehensive effort for mental health
Empower Forward has already offered over 430 free mental health sessions, in collaboration with more than 100 sports clubs across Greece, supporting over 8,000 people. The 18120 support line is available 24/7 for athletes, coaches and parents.
The program reminds that mental health is not a privilege, but a right for everyone. Athletes’ testimonies act as beacons of hope, proving that support and understanding can make a difference. Stoiximan’s goal is to contribute to the creation of a generation that is more informed, more aware and ready to face any challenge.