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- Русский
ThOK New Stage, 29 May 2023
It is with great pleasure that I am attending today's event to take stock of OPAP Cyprus' multi-level corporate social responsibility actions. With absolute sincerity, I feel that I am among sincere friends, because this is exactly how OPAP Cyprus has operated in its relationship with Cypriot society since 1969 until today. Honesty, consistency, responsibility, trust and above all the purity of OPAP Cyprus' overall and long-standing behaviour have solidly invested its relationship with the citizens of the country and Cypriot society in general, to the benefit of both parties. OPAP Cyprus has demonstrated through its long-standing consistency and proud support that its actions for the benefit of Cypriot society are not dictated by any institutional or procedural obligation, but by absolute respect for Cypriot society. This respect underlies the whole strategic approach of OPAP, which expresses its actions systematically and consistently on the basis of prioritising the needs of society and its citizens, taking into account the particularities of each era.
Both my predecessors in the Presidency of the Republic as well as Ministers and other State officials have publicly expressed many times in the past for the human-centered philosophy and for the whole action of OPAP Cyprus, arguing, justifiably, that it supports the State's plans in the fields of health, education, culture, environment and sports, thus demonstrating the importance of the Company's role in the general economic and social activity in our country. Undoubtedly, you have over the years demonstrated a high sense of responsibility in the midst of difficult circumstances for Cyprus. I assure you that the State recognises your contribution and has great appreciation and respect for the Corporate Social Responsibility work carried out by OPAP Cyprus.
The account of the actions of Corporate Social Responsibility for the three-year period 2020-2022 could also be an account of the State itself, of the Government itself, since a significant percentage of your actions have substantially supported or even replaced Government plans, especially in the difficult circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic and the crisis we are currently experiencing due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Among the Company's top actions during the difficult times in Cyprus during the period in question was the construction, in a very short time, of the New Intensive Care Unit of the Nicosia General Hospital. Of course, the Company's contribution to the health sector does not stop here.
OPAP shielded with equipment the health professionals who were fighting their battle day and night on the front line. It provided a state-of-the-art integrated diagnostic imaging system, empowering government hospitals with cutting-edge technologies. It built a bridge of life for premature newborns by providing a specialized neonatal and pediatric ambulance to the Ministry of Health's Ambulance Service.
It further strengthened the State's Health System by providing a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system for the needs of the Nicosia General Hospital. At the same time, OPAP, honouring its scientific friendship with Europa Donna and all the women of Cyprus, offered new state-of-the-art mammography systems, favouring more efficient and significantly better results in the diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer. In addition, the Company undertook the complete renovation of the Day Support Centre of the Association for the Support of People with Dementia "Ithaca".
OPAP Cyprus also supports institutional social aid organisations such as the Karaiskakio Foundation, PASYKAF, the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Association, the Cyprus Red Cross, the Cyprus Red Cross, the "Amérikos Argyriou" Centre for Preventive Paediatrics, the "One Dream One Wish" Association, but also the Blood Centre, strengthening the fleet of vehicles in order to meet the increased needs arising from the unified and pan-Cypriot management of blood donation.
With the same consistency, OPAP also supported Culture, supporting the "Kypria" International Festival, the Nicosia Festival, the events for the 200 years since the beginning of the Greek Revolution and many other cultural institutions, associations and events in cities and in the countryside. At the same time, the creation of parks and the institutionalized participation in reforestation programs also reflect the environmental sensitivities of OPAP Cyprus.
As far as the sectors of Education and Sports are concerned, OPAP Cyprus' contribution to the operation of Music and Sports Schools, as well as its response to the needs of our Educational Institutions is substantial. At the same time, by upgrading its cooperation with the Cyprus Olympic Committee, it has supported the beautiful journey of our athletes, both in the Tokyo Olympics and in major European and world events, from which our country has enjoyed tremendous success. Almost all - I am not aware of any club or association that does not receive sponsorship from OPAP - of our sports federations, national teams, clubs and events, as well as the planning of the Cyprus Sports Organisation, are supported by OPAP Cyprus. Of course, I cannot fail to mention the contribution of OPAP Cyprus in meeting the needs of our military children, upgrading gyms and providing sports equipment. The Company also showed particular interest in the safe transportation of the National Guardsmen, offering a state-of-the-art bus to the ELDYK.
Dear Dimitris, I could talk for hours about your social actions, your sensitivity, your human-centered approach. I will take the opportunity of my presence here tonight to thank you personally, both for the important work you carry out, but also for the fact, and I want to mention it, that you are present at any event organized around the country, and this to me is indicative of the important work you carry out. Thank you very much.
There is another important dimension to which I would like to refer, because as a State we particularly appreciate the approach of OPAP Cyprus.
The company, in the context of its very important and multifaceted action, has always shown absolute respect for the priorities and procedures of the State, of the Government. There is continuous cooperation and consultation with Ministries and State Agencies, in order to assess and prioritize the needs in which the Corporate Responsibility of OPAP Cyprus will be manifested. I would like to assure you, as the new President of the Republic of Cyprus, that we are here to cooperate even more closely and to face the challenges together, with a high sense of responsibility towards our fellow man and society in general.
In conclusion, I would like once again to express the absolute respect of the State for OPAP Cyprus and to congratulate you for the very important activities you are developing, your Corporate Social Responsibility actions and for all that you have been offering to our country over the years.
(PM/NG)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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