With great success, the Cyprus Olympians Gala Dinner took place on 19 February, organized around the timeless message “Once an Olympian, Always an Olympian”, an evening dedicated to the individuals who represented Cyprus at the Olympic Games.
The event was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, who attended the gala, adding particular significance to a night of high symbolic importance for Cypriot sport.
During the event, the President of the Republic announced the appointment of the President of the Cyprus Olympians Association, Mr. Costas Papacostas, as Advisor to the President on Sports Matters. This decision carries clear institutional and symbolic weight and constitutes a meaningful recognition by the State of the importance and role of Olympians within the sporting community.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of the President of the Hellenic Olympians Association, Ms. Voula Kozompoli, reaffirming the close bonds of cooperation and mutual support between the Olympic communities of Cyprus and Greece.
The international dimension of the event was further enhanced by an online address delivered by the newly elected President of the World Olympians Association, Pernilla Wiberg OLY, underscoring the global character of the Olympic community and the importance of unity among Olympians worldwide.
There was strong representation from the State and the organized sporting sector. The event was honored by the presence of the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Dr Athena Michaelidou; the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms. Clea Papaellina; the President of the Cyprus Sports Organization, Mr. Yiannis Ioannou; the Vice President of K.O.A. Mrs. Kalli Hatziiosif; the President of the Cyprus National Olympic Committee, Mr. George Chrysostomou; and the Manager of the Cyprus National Olympic Committee, Mr. Andreas Vasileiou. State officials, representatives of sports federations, board members, and Olympians from different eras and sports were also in attendance.
The event was organized by the Cyprus Olympians Association under the presidency of Mr. Costas Papacostas, with the participation of its Board of Directors. The event was supported by the Association’s Vice President, Dr. Andros Karapatakis, Fair Play Ambassador for 2025–2026, the Secretary General, Mr. Panicos Evripidou, as well as Board Members Mr. Spyros Agrotis, Mr. Christos Christodoulides, and Mr. Charalambos Panayides. The President of the Friends of Olympians, Mr. Damianos Hadjidamianou, was also in attendance.
The evening was presented by journalist and friend of the Olympians, Mr. George Meletiou, ensuring the cohesion and flow of an event of high symbolic value.
The organization, design, and overall curation of the event were undertaken by RGB Design, which contributed decisively to the creation of a refined and well-executed evening worthy of the history and values of the Cypriot Olympians.
The Cyprus Olympians Gala Dinner served as a meaningful reminder that Olympism is not confined to moments of competition; it continues to live on through its people, its values, and the collective memory of Cypriot sport.
Once an Olympian, Always an Olympian.
