Bringing Unity and Hope to Elpida Children’s Hospital
Wrestling for Peace (W4P), an international organization dedicated to building bridges of peace through the sport of wrestling, made a visit to Elpida Children’s Oncology Hospital in Athens, delivering gifts, messages of unity, and moments of joy for young patients and their caregivers. The W4P delegation featured athletes and leaders from both Team USA and Team Greece, united under the shared mission of using sport as a force for good.
Dan Russell, Executive Director of Wrestling for Peace and Olympic Coach for the 2004 Athens Games, expressed excitement upon his return to Greece, marking it as both deeply symbolic and meaningful. Joining him was J’Den Cox, USA Wrestling Freestyle Coach, 2-time World Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist (2016), whose stellar achievements on the mat are matched by his humility and human advocacy. Also part of the delegation was Jamill Kelly, Athens 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist, whose return to the city of his Olympic triumph added a powerful sense of legacy to the visit.
This first W4P 2025 Global Campaign event, in conjunction with the UWW U17 Wrestling World Championships, was a partnership with SportsLife, whose representatives Tim Hess, USA Wrestling World Team Chaplain, Steven Jude, SportsLife Director of Field Operations, and UFC legend Nate Marquardt, added their passion and support to the event — a symbol of how combat sports can unite around a higher cause.
The hospital’s name, “Elpida”, meaning “hope” in Greek, stands as a powerful symbol of its mission. Founded by the late Marianna V. Vardinogiannis, a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and champion for children’s health, Elpida was established to offer not just cutting-edge treatment, but also love, dignity, and strength to every child who walks through its doors. Now under the leadership of Dr. Emmanouil “Manolis” Papasavvas, President of Elpida Children’s Oncology Hospital, the institution continues its visionary path. Dr. Papasavvas brings seasoned leadership and a deep commitment to pediatric care.
A special thank you goes to the hospital staff, whose heroic work continues to inspire all who visit. Their extraordinary work is not only saving lives—it is transforming them. In what can only be described as the ultimate wrestling match of life, these dedicated professionals are standing in the corner for every child, fighting alongside them with unmatched strength, compassion, and courage. Their impact reaches far beyond medicine; they are giving families hope and the chance to dream again. W4P extends heartfelt gratitude for the kindness, grace, and warmth with which the delegation was welcomed.
As a gesture of lasting unity, W4P placed its star emblem on the wall of the hospital — a visible mark of friendship and hope. The delegation also presented a framed, signed U17 Freestyle Wrestlers poster to President Dr. Papasavvas, honoring the hospital’s leadership and legacy. Toys donated by both Team USA and Team Greece were given to the hospital staff to be shared with the children.
The visit is remembered with a moving group photo in front of the hospital, taken beside the statue of Marianna V. Vardinogiannis, paying tribute to her extraordinary vision and the lives she continues to touch. Through every handshake, smile, and shared moment, Wrestling for Peace reaffirmed its core message that the values of wrestling — resilience, respect, and unity — can transcend borders and serve as a powerful force for healing in the world.