**President Announces €50,000 Grant for Keravnos Strovolou's Centenary Celebration**
In a significant gesture marking the centenary of Keravnos Strovolou, President Nikos Christodoulides announced a government grant of €50,000 during a celebratory event held on Wednesday. This funding is intended to support the sports club as it commemorates 100 years since its establishment in 1926, prior to the founding of the Republic of Cyprus.
Speaking at the event, President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of the grant as a symbolic contribution to honor Keravnos' long-standing impact on Cypriot sports and society. "It is a symbolic contribution, very small compared with the club’s longstanding contribution over its 100-year history," he remarked, highlighting the club's multifaceted role beyond just sports.
Keravnos Strovolou originally began as a football and athletics club but has since evolved into one of the leading basketball clubs in Cyprus. The president noted that the club has served as a cultural and social hub, providing generations of young people with opportunities for engagement in sports and community activities. He acknowledged Keravnos' involvement in the national, social, and cultural struggles of the Cypriot people, stating that it has been a vital supporter of the pursuit of freedom and a “refuge of values” during challenging times.
Christodoulides pointed out that the significance of Keravnos cannot be solely measured by its trophies and athletic accomplishments. Instead, he praised the club for its commitment to nurturing athletes and promoting sportsmanship and fair play. He paid special tribute to Paris Papaellinas, the club's long-serving president, who has dedicated over 50 years to Keravnos. The president reminisced about Papaellinas' athletic career with Apoel before his transition to Keravnos, where he has served as vice-president since 1992 and president since 1997. In a light-hearted moment, Christodoulides referred to Apoel's decision to allow Papaellinas to join Keravnos as a "huge mistake."
The president extended his congratulations to Papaellinas on behalf of the state for his extensive contributions to the club, acknowledging the collective efforts of the board of directors, club members, coaches, athletes, and supporters in elevating Keravnos to its esteemed position in Cypriot sports.
Looking ahead, Christodoulides assured that the government would continue its support for Keravnos, particularly in its initiatives aimed at youth development. He highlighted the club's investment in academies and development programs, recognizing the crucial role established sports clubs play in addressing the complex challenges faced by young people today. This commitment aligns with the government's efforts through the Cyprus Sports Organisation.
As Keravnos Strovolou embarks on its second century, President Christodoulides expressed confidence in the club's ability to uphold the principles and values that have guided it over the past 100 years, ensuring its ongoing contribution to both sporting education and the broader Cypriot society.