The inauguration ceremony of the field at Pallouriotissa Gymnasium and Lyceum took place today. The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Mr. Prodromos Prodromou in his speech stated among other things that: "It is a day of joy and a real celebration for the schools of Pallouriotissa, the Gymnasium and Lyceum, but also for the region in general. I am happy to share this moment with you, already seeing students playing sports at the new school stadium. For those who have lived on these grounds in the past and for decades, seeing this ornamental stadium today, we are witnessing a true transformation. From an abandoned site, with uncovered and neglected dirt surfaces, it has now become a beautiful modern sports venue. This is also very important as a message that the school itself sends to the surrounding fringe community. Right next to the dividing line of the occupation, we are responding to the military violence and looting that is the logic of the occupation, with creative projects of sport, culture, education and this school will stand next to the community and give life to this area as a lung. I believe that along with our teachers and students, this work is appreciated by the local residents and the whole area of Pallouriotissa."
Prodromou also noted that: "It is particularly gratifying that about a year since we were here together, on this site, for the foundation stone of the project, without any delays or extensions of deadlines, the construction of the school stadium that is being delivered today has been completed. For this reason, I would like to congratulate and thank both the President of the Ephorate of Greek Schools of Nicosia, Mr. Nikos Megalemos and the members, as well as the Technical Services of the Ministry of Education. I would also like to take this opportunity to point out the general good cooperation we have with the Nicosia Ephorate for the service and improvement of the schools in the capital. It is a very important factor for our Government to cooperate with the school authorities in taking care of the school infrastructure in a similar way and a number of projects have either been completed in schools or are in progress throughout Cyprus. Because in pursuing the continuous improvement of learning outcomes and the formation of integrated personalities, we have to provide the necessary environment and modern facilities."
Addressing the heads of the two schools, the teachers and the students, the Minister said that this project is now theirs and they should make use of it in order to develop their physical wellbeing and exercise in order to improve their education and intellectual skills, as well as to develop their physical wellbeing. He reiterated the appeal of the Principal of Pallouriotissa High School to the children to love their school and this stage, noting that: "We wish and expect you to see and experience it as a second home, but one that you will give life and value to with your own activities. Because it is in such places that we want to see the great talents of tomorrow and the champions of Cypriot sport that will excel emerge, but also to see together with them and the teachers of Physical Education exercising, taking care of their health and harmonious physical development and forming an integrated personality of all our teenagers and young people".
At the same time, he stressed that the appropriate infrastructure and facilities of a school stadium also enable the school to develop all the ideals and virtues associated with sports and athletics.
Characteristically, he said that: "the ideal of education, from the years of classical Greek antiquity of which we are the privileged heirs, and on a universal level subsequently combines both letters, our language, mathematics and sciences, as well as sports and arts, music in particular - so in the objectives of our educational system we inseparably pursue learning and sports and physical exercise. We want to see this ideal pursued and developed in the two schools, Pallouriotissa High School and High School."
He also stressed that this stadium is also offered for use by the community and clubs in the area, through an operation of schools open to the community. In this direction, the project contributes to the revitalization of the wider area. He concluded by stressing that: "Today we are handing over this beautiful project that will not only adorn the school grounds, but will also act as a hub of activity, life and development. Enjoy it and use it as you deserve and it deserves. May the field and stadium of the Palluriotissa schools be well-kept!"
(NG)
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