Cyprus creates sports council and doubles Olympic athlete funding
President Nikos Christodoulides announced a national sports council, plans for a deputy sports ministry and increased funding for athletes targeting Los Angeles 2028.
Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides announced the creation of a national sports council to prepare a proposal for a deputy sports ministry and said state sponsorship for Cypriot athletes preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games will double.
National sports council
Speaking on Wednesday night at the presidential palace during an event marking 40 years of sports cooperation between Greece and Cyprus, Christodoulides said the cabinet had approved the new council earlier that day.
He described it as a leading scientific body intended to bring specialised expertise into sports policy. One of its first priorities will be drafting a comprehensive proposal for a deputy sports ministry.
Christodoulides said the establishment of such a ministry was needed to strengthen sport in Cyprus.
Los Angeles 2028 funding
State sponsorship for athletes preparing for the Los Angeles Olympic Games will increase to €700,000, from €350,000 allocated ahead of the Paris Games in 2024.
The programme will be administered by the sports organisation from January next year. Christodoulides said the funding had already been included in the budget, with the cabinet approving the first budget draft on Wednesday.
Support after sporting careers
Christodoulides said sport remained a top priority for the government and that related decisions were regarded as investments in the country and its future.
He also referred to a professional rehabilitation plan introduced after the Paris Games, under which all Cypriot athletes who compete in the Olympic or Paralympic Games are guaranteed employment after their athletic careers end.
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