**Christodoulides Welcomes Olympiacos Team Ahead of Nicosia Tournament**
Nicosia, Cyprus – President Nikos Christodoulides hosted a delegation from the Olympiacos Piraeus basketball club at the presidential palace on Friday, as the team prepared to participate in the Neophytos Chandriotis international tournament in Nicosia. The tournament, taking place from Friday to Sunday at the Tassos Papadopoulos Eleftheria stadium, features other prominent teams including Red Star, Aris Thessaloniki, and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
During the meeting, President Christodoulides expressed his enthusiasm for Olympiacos, stating, “I want to make it clear from the beginning so that there is no misunderstanding or misinterpretation in what I will say, that I am a proud fan and I follow the team.” His remarks underscored the strong connection between the club and its supporters in Cyprus.
As a gesture of goodwill, the Olympiacos delegation presented the president with two team shirts, one of which was signed by the players. This exchange highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect between the club and the Cypriot leadership.
In his address, Christodoulides emphasized the Cypriot government's commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure. He noted that approximately €17 million had been invested in stadium upgrades, which enabled Cyprus to host a EuroBasket group. “The reason we funded all this money was because we consider it an investment for the new generation of our country,” he stated, reflecting on the importance of sports in fostering community and youth engagement.
The president also addressed logistical support for Olympiacos, assuring the team that Limassol’s stadium would be available should any issues arise regarding the use of the AEK Athens ground during their stay in Cyprus.
Nikos Lepeniotis, the general manager of Olympiacos, expressed gratitude for the warm reception the club receives during its visits to Cyprus, stating that they feel “the love of the people.” This sentiment was echoed by head coach Giorgos Bartzokas, who thanked Christodoulides for the warm welcome and extended an invitation for the president to visit Athens to watch a match.
The Neophytos Chandriotis tournament is expected to draw significant attention from basketball fans, with Olympiacos entering as the reigning European champions. The event not only showcases top-tier basketball but also strengthens the cultural and sporting ties between Greece and Cyprus.
As the tournament unfolds, the presence of such esteemed teams is anticipated to elevate the profile of basketball in the region, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie among participating nations.