The intention to create the first paralympic sports centre on the island was announced by President Nikos Christodoulides, on Monday evening.
Speaking at a dinner held in Limassol for supporters and participants in the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Christodoulides said it is the duty of the state to ensure real equality of opportunity for people with special abilities.
In his speech, the president mentioned Cyprus sports association (Koa) programmes, such as the specially designed mass sports program, and arrangements for inclusion in high performance planning, as well as professional rehabilitation, saying these could be further improved.
“The government’s intention is to proceed with the construction and operation of the first Paralympic Sports Centre in Cyprus, something that does not exist and is a tribute to the important work you are doing,” the president told attendees.
“This is one of the few events, perhaps the only one, that did not request financial assistance from the state…but if you need the assistance of the state, either through Koa or directly, we are here and I declare it,” the president said.
Christodoulides congratulated the national paralympic committee, the team, and their supporters who, he said, are set to participate in one of the biggest sporting events on the planet.
The efforts of the attendees, he said, facilitate development of new perspectives and possibilities for athletes with special abilities.
Recognising “the zeal and the stubbornness” of every sportsman and sportswoman with special abilities, Christodoulides said disabled athletes demonstrate these qualities daily and stand out not only in the arena of sports but also in “the sport of life itself”.
“[These athletes] are the embodiment of the values of fair competition and the Olympic ideal, and they give us the brightest example of the strength of the human spirit,” the president said.