**Nicosia Aims to Become a Premier Destination for Accessible Sports Tourism**
Nicosia, Cyprus – The municipality of Strovolos, along with the Nicosia regional tourism board, is set to embark on an ambitious initiative to promote the wider Nicosia area as a leading destination for accessible sports tourism. This initiative is part of the EU-backed project known as SPORTS4ALL, which aims to foster inclusivity in sports and tourism.
The SPORTS4ALL project, which is scheduled to run for 24 months from December 2025 to December 2027, is being implemented under the Interreg VI-A Greece-Cyprus Cooperation Programme. The project is a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, including the Region of Crete, which serves as the lead partner, the South Crete Association of Parents and Friends of People with Disabilities “To Mellon’s,” the municipality of Strovolos, and the Nicosia regional tourism board (Etap).
In a recent statement, the municipality of Strovolos highlighted the project's goal of enhancing the city’s sports infrastructure and international profile through targeted interventions and the integration of innovative digital technologies. The initiative is expected to create a model for accessible sports tourism, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate in sporting activities.
One of the key components of the project will be the upgrade of the Glafcos Clerides Municipal Sports Centre in Strovolos. Planned improvements include the development of modern digital applications and virtual reality (VR) experiences designed to enhance the user experience for all visitors, including those with disabilities or reduced mobility. This focus on accessibility aims to ensure that the facilities cater to a diverse range of users, promoting equal participation in sports.
The SPORTS4ALL project represents a significant cross-border collaboration between Greece and Cyprus, reflecting a commitment to developing accessible sports tourism in both regions. By fostering inclusivity, the initiative seeks to create equal opportunities for participation in sports, thereby enriching the local community and attracting visitors from around the world.
The total budget for the SPORTS4ALL project amounts to €1,947,101.17, with funding provided jointly by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and national resources from both Greece and Cyprus. This financial backing underscores the importance of the project and the commitment of both governments to enhancing accessibility in sports and tourism.
The municipality of Strovolos and the Nicosia regional tourism board are optimistic that the project will not only improve the local sports infrastructure but also contribute to a more inclusive and outward-looking capital. In their announcement, they emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals, stating, “We are joining forces to create a more inclusive and outward-looking Nicosia, where sport is accessible to everyone.”
As the project progresses, stakeholders will be focused on implementing the necessary changes to ensure that Nicosia becomes a model for accessible sports tourism. The initiative aims to set a precedent for other cities in the region, demonstrating the benefits of inclusivity in sports and tourism.
With the launch of SPORTS4ALL, Nicosia is taking significant steps toward becoming a premier destination for accessible sports tourism, fostering an environment where all individuals can engage in and enjoy sports, regardless of their physical abilities. This initiative not only aims to enhance the local community but also positions Nicosia as a forward-thinking city committed to inclusivity and accessibility in the realm of sports and tourism.