Cyprus fully shares the objectives of the Olympic Movement for building a peaceful and better world precisely through the principles of peace, understanding and cooperation, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades stressed here today at the opening of the 35th European Olympic Committees (EOC) Seminar.
The Seminar is hosted in Nicosia by the Cyprus Olympic Committee 23-24 May.
President Anastasiades welcomed to Cyprus the members of the EOC’s Executive Committee headed by its President, Mr Patrick Hickey, the representatives of 49 National Olympic Committees that compose the EOC, representatives of the Association of National Olympic Committees, of the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity programmCyprus fully shares objectives of Olympic Movement President reiterates as he open the 35th Seminar of EOC
Cyprus fully shares the objectives of the Olympic Movement for building a peaceful and better world precisely through the principles of peace, understanding and cooperation, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades stressed here today at the opening of the 35th European Olympic Committees (EOC) Seminar.
The Seminar is hosted in Nicosia by the Cyprus Olympic Committee 23-24 May.
President Anastasiades welcomed to Cyprus the members of the EOC’s Executive Committee headed by its President, Mr Patrick Hickey, the representatives of 49 National Olympic Committees that compose the EOC, representatives of the Association of National Olympic Committees, of the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity programme and of the World Anti-Doping Agency as well as the representatives of the organising committees of the games that are to take place until 2018.
He pointed out that organising this seminar has been a great honour for the Cyprus Olympic Committee affirming its place within the EOC as an organisation with activities and skills that are inversely proportional to its size.
He noted that Olympism as an idea and as a philosophy is mainly based on values and principles that are very old in origin, but completely contemporary in terms of the everyday needs of today’s society. “Participation, competition, understanding, acceptance, tolerance, accomplishments, non-discrimination, teamwork, solidarity and fair play are some of the ideals of Olympism and, more generally, of sport” he stressed.
President Anastasiades referred to the latest edition of the Olympic Charter, of July 2003, that states that “the goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world”, noting that “Cyprus is tested by the 40 year-occupation of one third of its territory by foreign invasion troops and lacks the precious commodity of peace, the principles of the Olympic Movement inspire and guide us”.
“We fully share the objective of building a peaceful and better world precisely through the principles of peace, understanding and cooperation, fighting for the reunification of our country and the restoration of peace and stability on our island and the surrounding region of the Eastern Mediterranean,” he pointed out, adding that the Olympic Idea envisages a global society without discrimination, fostering mutual respect and cooperation between peoples and inspiring honest competition, which promotes friendship and consolidates world peace.
President Anastasiades reiterated that the government of Cyprus and him personally, firmly subscribe to the benefits from sport for the nation, society and youth, noting that participation in sports, generally, as a healthy and creative enterprise, can also function as a weapon and as a tool for the development of social and mental resistance against the scourge of drugs and other addictions, against crime, racism, alienation and more generally with the crisis in principles, values and relationships that currently preoccupy our society.
“Sport, with its transcending values, is one of the most powerful and effective antidotes against juvenile delinquency and all forms of antisocial behaviour,” he added and stressed adressing the delegates of the Seminar that their role lies in the development and strengthening of the supreme values of sport is important.
“As a state and as policy- and decision-makers, we have a responsibility and obligation to support it,” he added.
On his part COC President Ouranios Ioannides noted thati it is an honour for the COC to host this important event, especially nowadays with all the economic difficulties Cyprus is facing. “It is essential for us to be active within the European Olympic Committees and at the same time to set and be able to achieve goals that are beyond expectations considering our size,” he said.
Ioannides pointed out that as more than 150 delegates are attending this Seminar, the Seminar is an excellent opportunity for the delegates to enhance their involvement in the European Sports Movement by exchanging ideas concerning the crucial issue of Autonomy and Good Governance in the National Olympic Committees.
“It is also a great chance to be informed of the developments as regards the organising of the biggest European and International Sports Events,” he added.
Patrick Hickey, President of EOC said that all the delegates appreciate President’s Anastasiades presence to the Seminar and for taking the time to attend, having in mind that for the last few days he has been entertaining a very important visitor, the Vice President of the United States of America Joe Biden.
Patrick Hickey said that everybody knows that Cyprus is going through a difficult path at the moment as is every European country including his own (Ireland) and in this framework expressed great sympathy for what is happening here to the population.
“We are delighted to be here, we are overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Cypriot people,” he further said.