It really is a historic day to make Cyprus a ski resort.
Maybe as a Mediterranean country we don't have the snowfall that others have.
But for decades it was not possible to tolerate the Club and visitors and skiers in general, organised and otherwise, being hosted in shacks that really when I visited I felt ashamed, not worthy of a country like Cyprus.
Talking to my friend Dinos Lefkaritis, he developed his vision and I said not only do I share it but I will stand by your side, so that a ski resort becomes a reality which is a jewel, an attraction, a reference point.
So by adopting it, first of all, we decided, after the costs were established, that the state would make two million euros available and the Ski Club would contribute about one and a half. Secondly, I expected to inaugurate today rather than lay the foundation stone, but there were some legislative problems with the Club's statutes created by the bureaucracy, so there was a delay.
But what is important is that the foundation stone is laid, the funds are approved, there is not going to be a setback, there is not going to be a setback, and there is never going to be a change in this decision that was made and the determination to build a modern centre, such as the one depicted in the plans, as described by my friend Dinos Lefkaritis, the President of the Group.
How beneficial it will be for the residents of the area is understood, as well as for traffic and more. The most important thing is that it will serve our athletes and I want you to know that we are protagonists as a result of the activities of the President of the Club in small states, emerging states in skiing, and therefore this is a contribution to the whole effort of those who love this sport.
We have not been absent for more than ten years from international events with skiers, whether we have snow or not, and of course skiing is among the Olympic sports.
I congratulate the Club and thank all those who have cooperated and contributed to making a definitive end to the unacceptable status quo a reality today.
(PM/MG)
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