**President Christodoulides Announces National Sports Council and Increased Funding for Olympic Athletes**
Nicosia, Cyprus – In a significant move to bolster the nation’s sports sector, President Nikos Christodoulides announced the establishment of a national sports council during an event at the presidential palace on Wednesday night. This initiative is aimed at drafting a proposal for the creation of a deputy sports ministry, which the president emphasized as a necessary addition to Cyprus's sports infrastructure.
The announcement was made during a ceremony commemorating 40 years of sports cooperation between Greece and Cyprus. President Christodoulides highlighted the cabinet's approval of the new council, stating, “It’s not a promise that we will do it, we did it today.” He described the council as “a leading scientific body” that will bring specialized expertise to the formulation of sports policy in the country.
One of the council's initial priorities will be to prepare a comprehensive proposal for the establishment of a deputy sports ministry, which Christodoulides noted is currently lacking in Cyprus. He expressed his commitment to strengthening sports within the country, stating, “This will be achieved through the establishment of a deputy ministry.”
In addition to the formation of the council, President Christodoulides announced a substantial increase in funding for Cypriot athletes preparing for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. The state sponsorship will rise to €700,000, a significant increase from the €350,000 allocated for athletes preparing for the Paris Games in 2024. This funding initiative is set to be managed by the sports organization starting January of next year. “It is not just a promise; the amount is already budgeted,” he assured attendees, confirming that the cabinet had approved the first draft of the budget.
The president emphasized that sports remain a “top priority” for his government, framing decisions related to sports funding as investments in the future of Cyprus rather than mere financial expenses. He also referenced a professional rehabilitation plan introduced after the Paris Games, which guarantees employment for all Cypriot athletes who compete in the Olympic or Paralympic games once their athletic careers conclude.
Further, Christodoulides outlined plans to upgrade sports venues across the country, ensure equal benefits for both able-bodied and disabled athletes, and implement measures to combat violence in sports.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the event, the president recalled the signing of the first sports protocol between Greece and Cyprus in 1986, describing it as “an act of the utmost national and social importance.” He noted that this agreement was established during a challenging time for Cyprus, as the country was still recovering from the Turkish invasion. Christodoulides acknowledged Greece's support, stating that it had “opened wide its stadiums, its infrastructure, its warm embrace” to Cypriot athletes.
Looking to the future, he confirmed that the bilateral agreement will be upgraded into a “sports cooperation protocol,” which he believes will provide a robust framework for continued collaboration between Greece and Cyprus in the realm of sports.
In his address, President Christodoulides directly spoke to the athletes from both nations, praising them as “role models for our society” who embody the universal values of Olympism that originated in ancient Greece. His remarks underscored the importance of sports as a unifying force and a source of inspiration for the youth of both countries.
As Cyprus prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games, the establishment of the national sports council and the increase in funding signal a renewed commitment to enhancing the athletic capabilities of the nation and fostering a supportive environment for athletes.