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- Русский
It is with great pleasure that I attend tonight's event, which is a practical initiative of solidarity, expression of optimism, hope and culture. First of all, allow me to warmly congratulate all those who support the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee and the team of athletes who will participate in one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, the Paralympic Games in Paris.
It is one of the few events, perhaps the only one, where no financial support from the State is requested which means that the volunteers support financially, but if you need the help of the State, either through the COA or directly we are here and I declare it.
With the support you provide, efforts to develop new perspectives and opportunities for athletes with special abilities - and for me our athletes are special abilities, special abilities - are enhanced and further promote the implementation of projects and structures, which always focus on the rights of these fellow citizens.
In a civilized society, it is the duty of both the state and society at large to act towards the improvement of the institutional and social framework, which should first and foremost ensure real equality of opportunity among all Cypriot people.
To all these sponsors I send the message that with their help they support the daily effort, zeal and tenacity of every athlete. The athletes who daily demonstrate unique characteristics so that they can stand out and excel in the arena of sport and life itself, representing our country. These athletes are the transmutation, in practice, of the principles and values of fair play and the Olympic ideal. And they give us the brightest example of the true power of the human soul.
As a state, through our programmes and planning, through the Cyprus Sports Organisation, such as the specially designed mass sport programmes, the arrangements for inclusion in high performance planning and the specially designed part of professional rehabilitation planning, we stand by you.
I would like to tell you about the Government's intention to proceed with the construction and operation of the first Paralympic Sports Centre in Cyprus, something that does not exist and is an indication of the very important work that you are doing and how proud we are of our athletes.
Thank you for the honour of inviting me to tonight's event, and why not join us at the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games, just to show the support of the state for our athletes of whom we are proud.
(PM/NG)
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