Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has announced a 65-member delegation, including 36 athletes, for the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, scheduled to begin on July 23.
Cyprus team
The Cyprus Olympic Committee (KOE) confirmed that the national team will compete in athletics, judo, artistic gymnastics, swimming, weightlifting and para weightlifting until August 2.
The delegation includes 23 male and 13 female athletes, as well as coaches and officials. Cyprus will field 13 athletes in athletics, eight in judo, six in artistic gymnastics, six in swimming, two in weightlifting and one in para weightlifting.
Games and funding
More than 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations are expected to take part, making the event the largest Commonwealth Games since 2014.
KOE President George Chrysostomou described the Games as a leading multi-sport event and an important platform for Cypriot sport. He said the committee had secured three additional athlete places following a request for greater participation.
The estimated cost of Cyprus’ participation is about €100,000. A further €27,000 grant from the Commonwealth Sport Team Preparation programme will support sports federations and the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee.
Paralympic participation and baton
KOE highlighted the participation of Maria Markou in para weightlifting, citing Cyprus’ commitment to equality in sport.
British Deputy High Commissioner Adam Sambrook said the Games represented friendship and fair competition. He also said Cyprus would present its own Commonwealth baton in Glasgow, created by artists Eli Salame and Kyprianos Demosthenous.
Travel arrangements
The management team will arrive in Glasgow on July 20, while athletes will travel in stages ahead of their competitions. The opening ceremony will be held at the Hydro Arena on July 23.