Why this initiative?
From Gregory C. Pappas, President & Founder
Inspired by the ancient Greek ideals of excellence and philanthropy, we launched this initiative to give athletes the chance to compete for a cause greater than themselves.
Team Greek America gives athletes from around the country and the world the chance to express their love for Greek culture and ideals while raising funds that benefit our philanthropic and charitable endeavors.
This program is yet another example of how the Greek America Foundation encourages supporters to offer their time, talents and passion in a philanthropic way.
About Team Greek America
Team Greek America is a virtual team of runners, triathletes, cyclists and other athletes who want to compete for a cause. The ancient Greeks imported their wisdom on us that “Νους υγιής εν σώματι υγιεί,” meaning in English, “A sound mind also needs a sound body” in order for an individual to be complete.
Athletes who join Team Greek America are competing for a cause bigger than themselves and raise money to benefit our Project Hope for Greece #ChildrenOfGreece campaign which supports five Greek children’s charities doing important work to help the country’s most vulnerable people.
In the beginning years when the Greek America Foundation was based in Chicago, dozens of generous athletes offered their time and talents to race as members of Team Greek America. They proudly represented the team during events such as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of the biggest marathons in the world which draws in tens of thousands of runners every year.
Jeff Vargas represents Team Greek America during the 2013 Chicago Marathon.
Magdalini Rizakos, Eva Halkias and Panagiota Tania Karas represent before the 2012 Chicago Marathon.
George Georgiou racing to the finish line during the 2014 Chicago Marathon!
What we do
We provide you with a personalized fundraising page that you can share with your family and friends. We also offer publicity on our various social media platforms to let people know about your efforts.
We will work with you to provide you with the customization needed for your athletic shirt that shows your involvement with Team Greek America. You can wear this during training, or even during your race, and share your pride!
Signature Team Greek America singlets!
The branding for our team is inspired by an ancient Greek vase featuring runners.
An added bonus
In a single calendar year (January 1 through December 31), the athlete that raises the most funds as part of Team Greek America will win a trip to Greece to run in the Athens Marathon, or a race of your choice. Flight and hotel expenses will be covered by the Greek America Foundation, sponsored by our generous travel and hospitality partners.
How to join?
Are you registered for a race, marathon or any kind of individual competition anywhere in the world? Join Team Greek America today by completing our our sign-up form.
Past team members
Darden Livesay
Wilton, Connecticut native and full-time Greek America Foundation team member living in Astoria, New York. Darden completed a specially coursed 12K on July 20, 2021, in Athens, Greece. Read his story.
Niko Roros
Soccer player, youth coach and master’s degree graduate from the Soccer Management Institute in Rome, Italy. Niko is a Baltimore native by way of Chios and completed a 12K around the Eternal City on June 12, 2021, raising nearly $6,000 in the process. Read his story.
Dimitra Korri
Four-time Greek National Figure Skating champion based in Long Beach, California. In December 2020, Dimitra completed a virtual inline 5K roller race and raised more than $1,000. Read her story.
Marielena Balouris
Television news anchor/reporter based in Norfolk, Virginia. In March 2020, after her originally planned race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marielena ran a virtual race in her own backyard and still reached her fundraising goal of $1,000. Read her story.
Current team members
Dina Tsolekas Livesay
Queens native, lifetime athlete and sports enthusiast Dina Tsolekas Livesay is running in the 50th New York City Marathon on November 7, 2021. Read her story.
Greg Arampatzis
IT analyst, father and dedicated runner and health and wellness enthusiast, based in Slatington, Pennsylvania. Greg is planning to run his first-ever 100-mile race in November 2021 with a goal to raise $5,000. Read his story.
Agamemnon Polyzois
Founder of the online marketplace Olive Grove Market, based in New York City. Agamemnon is planning to run a marathon in Honolulu, Hawaii, in December 2021 with a goal to raise $1,000. Read his story.