The City of Athens hosted the presentation of the book “My Name is Aria” by Aria Papanikolaou on Sunday morning at the Fan Zone of the EuroLeague Final Four Athens 2026, held at the Zappeion.
The Fan Zone brought together children and families who had the opportunity to listen to Aria Papanikolaou share her personal journey and her experiences of growing up on the autism spectrum. Through her book, she reflects on the challenges she faced following her diagnosis and how she gradually transformed them into strength, hope and self belief.
Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas attended the presentation and underlined the significance of the book’s message.
“Aria’s book sends an important message of strength, acceptance and optimism for all of us,” he said. “Through her own story, she reminds us that every person is far more than a diagnosis and that no one should be limited by labels or stereotypes. Aria proves that there are no limits when there are dreams, support and belief in ourselves. I would also like to warmly congratulate both Aria and her parents for their important contribution to raising awareness around autism.”
During the event, Aria Papanikolaou spoke about her experience and the journey behind her book.
“Today I had the joy of speaking about my book, ‘My Name is Aria’, and sharing my journey, including the difficulties I faced after being diagnosed with autism,” she said. “I also spoke about how I turned all of this into strength for myself and hope for many others. I would like to thank the Mayor of Athens for the invitation to share my story.”
Former basketball player Dimitris Papanikolaou also addressed the audience, focusing on the importance of inclusion and understanding for neurodivergent individuals.
“I would also like to thank the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, for giving us the opportunity to speak here at the Zappeion and the EuroLeague Fan Zone through my daughter Aria’s book about the value of acceptance, understanding and inclusion,” he noted. “The parallel activities organised by the City of Athens during the Final Four show that sport can become a powerful social vehicle in this direction.”
The City of Athens’ Councillor for Accessibility, Eleni Mantzavinou, highlighted the municipality’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and promoting a more inclusive society.
Among those present were members of Aria’s family, Panathinaikos ambassador Athina Papafotiou and Gina Baxivanaki, Commercial and Marketing Director of Panathinaikos and Panathinaikos AmeA.
Aria Papanikolaou continues to be an active voice for autism awareness through her work as an author, actress in international productions and ambassador for the organisation “Together for Autism”. Through her advocacy, she promotes visibility, understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
Following the presentation, copies of the book were distributed to attendees.
