For the second consecutive year, Niko Roros will run a self-organized race as part of Team Greek America, our virtual team of athletes who compete for a greater cause by participating in races to raise funds for our charitable endeavors.
Niko’s 14K race around New York City will take place on Friday, June 3, in conjunction with the Greek America Foundation’s Gabby Awards. His route will include stops at iconic New York landmarks and conclude at the Plaza Hotel, the venue for our premier black tie fundraiser event.
A lifelong soccer player, Niko was born and raised in Baltimore with ancestral roots from Mesta on the Greek island of Chios.
The 25-year-old’s soccer career has taken him from Baltimore to Pittsbugh, Rome, Athens, and now back, as he’s currently playing with the Baltimore Blast and learning the professional indoor soccer game.
Niko joined Team Greek America in June 2021 when he ran his own specially coursed 12K around the city of Rome, where he was studying for his master’s in sports management and soccer coaching. He was also playing as a goalkeeper for the club Rome City SC.
In the end, Niko raised nearly $6,000 for the Greek America Foundation’s #ChildrenOfGreece campaign which benefits vulnerable and disenfranchised children in Greece through partnerships with six charities.
For his June 2022 run, Niko’s fundraising goal is $10,000 with proceeds to once again benefit #ChildrenOfGreece. As of April 2022, this campaign has already disbursed $45,000 to our partner charities. Click here to see our most recent updates.
Niko says he wishes to continue supporting our endeavors and that he remains inspired by lessons he learned from older soccer players — his mentors — as a young boy.
“They thought me to always stay humble and give back to the world when I can. This is one of the main reasons why I’m supporting the Greek America Foundation and Project Hope for Greece. It is what inspired me to become a part of Team Greek America and do my 12k around Rome,” he says.
“Along with seeing firsthand the great work of the Greek America Foundation and their volunteers this past summer (2021) in Athens and Chios, that is what inspires me to do my 14K around New York City this June!”
Follow Niko on his personal social media including Facebook and Instagram (@rorothegreek.). And remember to follow the Greek America Foundation on Facebook, Instagram (@greekamericafoundation) and Twitter @GreekAmerica.
Click below to donate to Niko’s fundraiser
$600 out of $10,000 raised
Special thanks to the following generous donors
List updated as of May 24.
- Niko Roros in honor of Virginia Roros
- Nikki Yialouris Roros in memory of Papou Nick Yialouris
- Team Roros Realty in honor of Diamond and Nick Roros
- Darden Livesay
- Neil Konstantoulas
- The Dachs
- Stacia G
- Joseph Parvana in memory of his grandfather Georgio Parvana, whose family came from Greece
- Peter and Kim Karas in honor of Steve and Mary Karas